The Fb web page “Undertake a Server” helps restaurant employees in want with closings
The community outside of Pittsburgh saw an influx of support this Christmas.
December 31, 2020, 6:57 p.m.
5 min read
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterSend this article via email
A Pennsylvania woman found a way to boost it for unemployed restaurant workers in her community by connecting strangers to servers in need.
Erin Matuch told Good Morning America that she came up with the idea of starting the Adopt a Server / Bartender Allegheny County Facebook group after seeing a similar aid program for restaurant workers in another state.
“This is the site where servers or bartenders, really anyone in the restaurant industry, can post things they need during this time while they’re not working,” she said. “I looked up to see if we had something like this and we didn’t, so I created it right away.”
While the site is still growing and receiving support, Matuch, who worked as a server while college, said there was an influx of interest over the holiday season. “It’s just amazing how many people have helped – and how generous it is right now,” she said.
“I had a woman who donated boxes of $ 40 worth of groceries to our local grocery stores for a holiday dinner. I had people giving several families $ 200. People make Instacart orders for people,” Matuch said .
Once people join the group, Matuch approves their posts from the servers and bartenders who haven’t received any help, and then tries to connect people directly. “They publish everything they need, whether it’s an Amazon wish list for household items they need – or they provide PayPal and email for others to send out gift cards and the like. When someone is ready to help “I allow it. I don’t really reject anyone. It’s just such a difficult time for everyone,” she said.
“Just knowing what it’s like to be a server and have a weekend when you don’t make that much money couldn’t imagine being gone for that long,” she said. “There are so many of them who have problems. It’s heartbreaking and not as easy as just reporting unemployment. Maybe they’re just doing a little too much [to not qualify] and still can’t make ends meet. “
Overall, Matuch said it was heartwarming to be on the side of the screen where she could constantly see the good deeds people are doing to add to their cause.
“I’ll keep it going for as long as I have to,” she said, adding that the workers’ need for help will not stop even if food restrictions ease on Jan. 4th.
“There are still bills to be paid and children to be fed. And I’ve actually encouraged people from other states who have tried to start their own group near them, and I’ll help them if they need it. Hopefully we can to get.” More groups like this are going, “she said.
Matuch said she has directly helped more than 20 restaurant workers and more from others reaching out to those in need through group positions.
Her big takeaway from this initiative, which she hopes will take others to heart, is to “pay you forward when you can”.
“I’m just encouraging people to be generous, helping others, we’re all in this together,” she said.
Other community members have reported on free meal distributions, product and grocery giveaways, and other local resources to help those in the community financially affected by COVID-19.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.