Local

‘Shop Local! Give Hope!’ this holiday season

By Mahoning Matters staff

Mahoning Matters recognizes that the current business climate is certainly unprecedented and will be challenging for all during this holiday season.

So, as a way to band together and try to make it a little better — and help others along the way — we've developed the "Shop Local! Give Hope!" program, with the help of our partners at TEMA Roofing Services, your commercial/industrial roofing experts.

In short, we want to remind our audience of the importance of spending local dollars to support those businesses that are such a vital part of our communities. One way everyone can help is by purchasing gift cards during the holiday season.

And we are inviting local businesses to be a part of something special. Many Valley businesses have already joined this effort!

What your business gets: By signing up, you get to be a part of a campaign from Nov. 23 until Dec. 18 on the Valley's fastest growing news site as we encourage the Mahoning Matters audience to purchase gift cards at participating Valley businesses including merchants, bars, restaurants, etc.

What you agree to: For each gift card purchase during that time, you will donate 2 percent to our selected nonprofit agencies: the Salvation Army and Second Harvest Food Bank. Simply track the sales and mail us a dollar amount on or about Dec. 18 made out to the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, which is helping us track the funds, to Mahoning Matters, 143 Boardman-Canfield Road, Suite No. 255, Boardman, OH 44512.

What our partner will do: TEMA Roofing Services, your commercial/industrial roofing experts, will match the total collected for a subsequent donation to the Salvation Army and Second Harvest Food Bank.

If you would like additional promotion during our campaign, we will promote weekly Facebook Live "Card Mobs." During these promotions, we will appeal for people to visit selected Valley businesses for "Random Acts of Cardness" during a time of your choosing. People who spend $50 on gift cards at that appointed time will receive an extra $5 gift card from you that can be used or gifted to others. And, of course, 2 percent of all sales will be donated to our agencies.

It is easy to get involved! Just send and email to Mark Sweetwood (mark@mahoningmatters.com) and let us know that you are interested, or send us any questions or feedback you have for us. We will post a prominent listing on MahoningMatters.com of all participating businesses so we need:

  • Your business' name
  • The owner's names
  • Business address and phone number
  • Daily hours of operation
  • Website address
  • Also detail how gift cards can be purchased (in person, online, etc.), and whether you have gift cards for any amount or for set amounts.

We hope this program in some small way makes a difference as we navigate the holiday season.

This story was originally published November 27, 2020 at 4:35 AM with the headline "‘Shop Local! Give Hope!’ this holiday season."