Gift Card Program Honors Local Heroes, Supports Local Businesses

OAK CREEK, WI – As Oak Creek’s director of community development, Doug Seymour realized that the city isn’t in a position to assist local businesses with loan programs the way other bigger municipalities can in such a time of uncertainty.

But Seymour knew that there had to be something city officials could do to help struggling businesses while also recognizing the efforts of local residents who are making a difference as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

The city recently purchased $6,500 worth of gift cards from 31 local non-franchised small businesses, which will then be awarded to people making a difference in the community, Seymour said Wednesday. The program not only assists local businesses needing helps, but opens up restaurants, hair salons, pet groomers and other services to a customer base that may not otherwise spend money at these retailers.

“We really wanted to take this opportunity to thank all the people out in the community that are doing great things,” Seymour told Patch on Wednesday.

“You see it all the time in Oak Creek – people helping people and we’re rewarding random acts of kindness essentially. We want to hear those stories and acknowledge the good work people are doing.”

Nominations to recognize local heroes can be made on the city’s website. As of Wednesday, the city has recognized about 25 nominees who have done everything from assisting neighbors to buying groceries for elderly residents and other tasks that end up making a big difference in Oak Creek, Seymour said. Gift cards are selected randomly and are then mailed to residents who have been chosen as part of the program.

While local residents can nominate their neighbors, the program is also providing a benefit to the businesses, which Seymour said have also been featured in a city-sponsored advertising campaign in the city’s “Oak Creek Current” lifestyle magazine. While $6,500 may not seem like a great deal when spread across 31 businesses, Seymour said he is hoping that the increased exposure for these businesses will provide them with a boost when so many continue to struggle after losing business to coronavirus-related closures.

“It’s way of telling small businesses, ‘Yeah, we’re thinking about you. We understand the trials that you’re going through.’” Seymour said. “It may seem like it’s in the smallest way possible, but it’s getting their name out there in the community, getting folks in their doors and making those connections with people who may never have thought about going (to a specific local business) and give them the opportunity to try it.”