Student Launches Campaign To Rescue 'Main Street Manasquan'

MANASQUAN, NY — There's no question that many New Jersey businesses have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. For many small businesses, including those in Manasquan, the financial strain has been overwhelming.

As the business community prepares to reopen in New Jersey and across the country, more than half of small businesses, or 54 percent, worry about a lack of profitability due to a potential decrease in customers, according to a new U.S. Chamber and MetLife poll. Thirty-four percent also fear a resurgence of the outbreak could force another shutdown, the poll found.

But one student who attends the Marine Academy of Science and Technology, and plays varsity hockey for Manasquan High School, is eager to do his part — no matter how big or small — to help local businesses in his community survive the coronavirus.

"Sadly, I have noticed that many small businesses in our Manasquan/Brielle area are struggling or temporarily closed because of the quarantine in NJ at this difficult time," Conall Dougherty posted in his recently created Facebook group, Rescue Main Street Manasquan/Brielle.

Inspired by similar Rescue Main Street efforts in Connecticut and New York, Dougherty launched Rescue Main Street Manasquan/Brielle with one simple goal: to help local businesses generate some much-needed revenue.

"I thought that our local shops could use our help!" he said.

For the online campaign to be successful, Dougherty is relying on the community for help. Participating is simple:

1. First, buy a $50 gift card from any business in the Manasquan/Brielle area.

2. Put the gift card in an envelope with your name, email and phone number.

3. Email Dougherty at rescuesquanbrielle@gmail.com.

"We will collect and store your envelope, or you can email/mail or drop it off at our house," Dougherty said.

On a date that is soon to be determined, Dougherty said, he and several other volunteers plan to host a gift exchange in town where any resident who contributed a card will receive a random envelope from another contributor with a $50 gift card to enjoy.

Each gift card purchase puts money back into a small business in need of an economic boost. It also helps bring customers back into their shops.

The Manasquan Chamber of Commerce praised Dougherty's efforts Tuesday to help small businesses.

"That’s awesome!!! Thank you to all of you who bought gift cards from our local businesses," the chamber posted on its official Facebook page. "Every little helps!"

To learn more and join the Rescue Main Street Manasquan/Brielle Facebook page, click here.