ATHOL – At a time when schools are closed and workers face layoffs, some local restaurants are stepping up to help those in need.
Athol House of Pizza manager Jason Whitmore said the idea arose when he spoke to the restaurant’s owners about possibly lower prices on some items as a way of helping those finding it hard to make ends meet.
“I talked to them,” he said, “and they said, ‘If people are in need, they’re in need. We don’t want people starving.’ So, we decided that we would offer some things for free to those who really need it. For example, if it’s a family in need, we may provide a pizza or two. If it’s an individual, maybe a burger or something like that.”
He said the effort would continue as long as it remained financially feasible.
“We posted it on our Facebook page,” said Whitmore. “We’re asking people to look out for each other, to look out for their neighbors. People have to pull together at times like these.”
Whitmore said it was first determined that people would need to stop at the restaurant to pick up their food, but it was eventually decided that deliveries would be made if needed.
“We weren’t going to do deliveries at first, because that also costs us money,” he said. “But not everyone has transportation and we didn’t want anyone to go without because they don’t have a car or a way to get here.
“Naturally, we’re asking that people don’t abuse the offer. But if people really need something, we’re willing to help. Most people aren’t going to call if they really don’t need to. It takes courage to ask for help, and if someone has the courage to call, we’re not going to say ‘no.’
Whitmore said anyone who needs a meal should simply call the restaurant during regular business hours.
In Winchendon, Cristo’s Place is also helping out, providing bag lunches to those who may need a meal. The lunches will be available between noon and 3 p.m.
“We wanted to help our customers,” said co-owner Jeff Gervais. “We have some that are out of work now, and we asked ourselves what we can do to help. We’ll keep going as long as we can.
“The best thing for people to do is to send us a message via Facebook in the morning, then we’ll get the bag lunches ready. Then, they just drive up and we hand them the lunch. Obviously, we don’t want people to take advantage of this if they really don’t have to.”
He explained that the lunches are not regular menu items, but are traditional bag lunches, with items such as cold cut sandwiches and similar items.
While business has definitely slowed down in recent days, Gervais remains optimistic.
“It’ll pick back up,” he said. “We’re prepared for the worst, but we hope for the best.”