LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — Customers are gathering their groceries for the weekend at Gerrity's in West Pittston. But starting today, an extra question is being asked in the checkout line. All 10 of Gerrity's supermarket stores and the 5 Gerrity's ACE Hardware locations are collecting funds to help communities devastated by Hurricane Helene, as life in some parts of the country came to a devastating halt.
"As a family-owned business deeply rooted in our community, we understand the importance of helping others in their time of need. Through our stores and website, we're making it easy for customers to contribute to the relief efforts," said Joyce "Mom" Fasula, President of Gerrity's, in a press release. "We still remember the devastation our area experienced from hurricane Irene in 2011, so we want to help in any way we can."
Now, customers here at home are already doing their part in Luzerne County.
"It's just the little things that sometimes we take for granted, that we are able to stop at a grocery store and we are able to pick up eggs and bread and food," said, Ana Marotti of West Pittston.
"To give the people some help. The area's really a mess, so they need extra help. If we can help, it'll be great," added Frank Padula of Plains Township.
Marotti and her grandmother, Theresa Fiorello, go shopping together weekly and decide to give back.
I feel so sorry for those People. We have so much, and they lost everything. How would we feel if we were in their situation?" said Marotti.
Devastation, West Pittston natives, like Irene Alfano, say they're familiar with.
"Unfortunately, I did experience a flood in '92 or '91, whatever. So I do know what it's like to lose a lot," said Alfano.
Marotti works on the front lines as a nurse and says the devastation hits home.
"I can only imagine the devastation they faced, and as nurses, we're already short. Those poor people are going through so much that they not only lose everything but their health is impacted as well. That's just absolutely devastating, and to see those pictures and those poor families, my prayers go out to them. They really do," Marotti added.
The locally owned business says all money collected will be donated to the American Red Cross to assist in its efforts for hurricane relief. Gerrity's is also accepting donations through a QR code on the self-checkout registers and online on its website.