The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau and Pocono Mountains United Way are teaming up to provide some much-needed financial relief to support individuals working in the hospitality and restaurant industry in the form of free $50 Weis Markets gift cards, redeemable for groceries or gas. The gift cards will be distributed to qualifying hospitality and restaurant businesses in Wayne, Pike, Monroe and Carbon counties.

The two organizations will use $20,000 from the Hospitality and Restaurant Worker Relief Fund, established during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Owners or managers of businesses within the hospitality and restaurant industry are encouraged to apply on behalf of their employees.

“The Hospitality and Restaurant Worker Relief Fund was created to provide a source of assistance when our team members were in need during the pandemic industrywide shutdowns,” said Chris Barrett, president/CEO of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. “We hope to continue that work now that inflationary pressures make it tougher for families to provide day-to-day needs.”

“The Hospitality and Restaurant Worker Relief Fund program proved successful in helping hundreds of families throughout the Pocono Mountains during a difficult and unprecedented time,” said Michael Tukeva, president/CEO of Pocono Mountains United Way. “We are thrilled to carry on this important work for our community.”

Due to limited funding, applications should be submitted as soon as possible.