El Salvador experienced five months of intense lockdown measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Since March, the easing of restrictions has been progressive and has had a huge impact on the economy—especially in the informal economy. Adding to the shock of the national lockdown and its ripple effects, limited resources, insecurity, and poor access to opportunities during quarantine have aggravated the existing gap among the most vulnerable communities.
During these difficult times, the owners of “tienditas” (convenience stores within the communities) along with other local businesses and our partners the Catholic Sisters, created a support network for those families that most needed it, providing them food and essentials.
Acting as a donation center, the tienditas gathered much-needed items and distributed them to those in the community who were lacking basic needs. They truly are heroes!
Continuing this season’s Thank-a-Thon, and in immense gratitude to the local businesses and “tienditas” that have supported the community during the pandemic, we wanted to replenish their stock—providing them with cleaning supplies, face masks, sanitizer, and bleach.
We also gave them Alight’s In Our Hands informational posters to hang in their shops that help prevent the spread of COVID-19, contributing to the safety of their customers. They are a great example of solidarity, risking their lives daily to be there to help others.
“We did it because we are a part of this community, when we see other community members suffer, we all feel it,” said one tiendito owner. “We will overcome this pandemic together.”
