Coronavirus Pandemic: Anonymous donation gives back to Jacksonville business, first responders

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — A local business is serving something sweet to help out first responders and health care workers.

Brooke Sams is the co-owner of the Mini Bar Donuts and Coffee.

Her two locations are examples of the many businesses now only doing to-go orders and taking more online orders because of COVID-19 fears.

“Our sales are way down. We’ve had to reduce hours on our team. We’ve had to cut shifts and really just doing what we can,” Sams said.

Recently, one of their customers stepped up, not only to help their business, but also first responders and health care workers that are out on the frontline fighting this virus.

"They have committed to donating $1,000 a week for the next 10 weeks," Sams said.

This local business is sending out 600 donuts and six boxes of coffee on Monday.

They are delivering donuts to the Jacksonville Beach Police Department, Jacksonville Fire Rescue Station 29 and Baptist Health in downtown.

Sams said the response has been overwhelming with hospitals and first responders requesting donuts for their staff members that are working around the clock.

"We’re asking those people to reach out to us directly about coordinating pickups because some hospitals are little bit more difficult. They’re not really allowing visitors or deliveries in.

If you would like to help you can donate through Venmo @minibardonuts

A small portion of the donations they’ve been receiving from the community on Venmo is also going back to their staff members that have lost hours and to help keep their business afloat.

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