GREEN BAY (NBC26) — Just a couple of weeks ago, Aubrey Immel had an idea: to ‘bomb’ some local businesses with love during the holidays.
“My heart for our small business community was just breaking because when you go into a small business and you talk to the owners, you hear about their family," said Immel. "You hear about their dreams, and that’s why they are doing what they’re doing.”
A small business owner herself, Immel felt the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. She created Operation Love Bomb, to give a few local businesses their own special day.
“Just making sure that that business really feels the love because at the end of 2020, seeing even a small increase in revenue for a day could mean they can pay their electric bill and stay open for another year," she said.
Java Cream, located in De Pere is one of almost 20 businesses already nominated. Mohammed Abughaush, café owner, just opened the place at the end of August.
“I was very excited," he said. "[It] gave me a little bit more hope. Maybe we will reach out to more people and will bring us more business."
He's been working around one hundred hours every week, he said.
“It’s been not fun at all," said Abughaush. "It’s just a struggle and hard work and hoping always for the best. All we can do right now is just to show up.”
The support from customers has been incredible, and the momentum behind Operation Love Bomb just shows how much this community cares about small businesses, he said.
“This community is wonderful people are actually very supportive," said Abughaush. "If it was not for this community, I don’t think I would make it. I thank them so much for that.”
Nominations can be made up until five p.m. this Saturday. Winning businesses will be ‘love bombed’ December 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 28th, 29th and 30th. If you would like to nominate your favorite business, or be a part of the love bombing, you can find more information on the Facebook page, by emailing operationlovebombgb@gmail.com or calling/texting 920-422-4911.
