Johnstown group buying takeout, donating to those on frontlines of COVID-19 pandemic

CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. (WJAC) — It hasn't been business as usual for restaurants in Johnstown for several days now, after Gov. Tom Wolf ordered only takeout and delivery be allowed at this time to decrease the spread of COVID-19.

Restaurant owners say this has had a devastating impact as they struggle to make ends meet. But a group of people in Johnstown are stepping up to show their support during this time, and make those takeout orders count.

Wanting to order out and support local spots, Johnstown resident Jennifer Reese started the Facebook group Johnstown Pay it Forward - People Helping People. As Reese added friends, everyone started to pool their money together for the orders and send them to emergency responders and hospital staff.

"Everyone has just been so responsive and so nice and complimentary and I always just keep saying it’s not me it's we, I’m just the facilitator," said Reese.

In just a few days, Reese says the group now has over 900 members and they've raised nearly $5,000 with 100% of the money going toward local restaurants.

Capri Pizza, Carrie's Kitchen, Big Dogz and Lambcakes are just a handful of the local shops that have received the money and fulfilled takeout orders.

"The people that we’re delivering to, to this group they’re the ones taking care of us, they’re the ones taking the risk, they’re the ones that are not home with their families having dinners. So we’re glad that we can help provide for these people," said Daniella DiRosa, owner and operator of Capri Pizza in Westmont.

Creating a chain reaction of kindness and support during a difficult time.

"I about cry, I thank every customer. In 45 years of business I’ve never seen it like this, never," said Shirley DiRosa, owner and operator of Capri Pizza in Westmont.

Reese says they don't plan to stop the donations and deliveries anytime soon and hopes more people will join in on paying it forward. She says if you want to help out, you can request to join the Facebook group.

ncG1vNJzZmivmpawtcKNnKamZ56axLR7y6iamqRfn7yputKtprCmXZy%2FsMHPZpmusZmjtG7AwKScqK2kYrGwusCtoKefXam8bsDHqKqeZZ%2Bjeqe%2BzqerpaGemsBuu8VmmqiumZl6coWMqZinnJWitqQ%3D