LEON COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) — Leon County Government has launched a new Pay it Forward initiative that invites the community to stay physically distanced and spread only kindness while supporting local businesses and nonprofits.
The initiative launched Wednesday, ahead of the official Pay It Forward Day on April 28.
Pay It Forward initiative is a web-based shopping portal that gives customers the opportunity to purchase gift cards from local businesses and immediately donate those cards to support nonprofits on the frontline of providing services to those in need.
"During this coronavirus pandemic, our community keeps finding innovative ways to stay separate but united, and this initiative is no different," said Leon County Commissioner Chairman Bryan Desloge. "By paying it forward, shoppers across our County can support both our local businesses and our nonprofits that are doing so much good during these difficult times."
In collaboration with Shop Tally with SwellCoin, Leon County’s Pay It Forward initiative is easily accessible at www.ishoptally.com.
Leon County officials say the goal of this initiative is to help provide businesses with revenue during this challenging time, while providing nonprofits with monetary resources to buy food, supplies and services for individuals and employees in need.
To participate, individuals can visit www.ishoptally.com to find their favorite local business, then click the Pay It Forward Icon, choose their gift card amount and select a nonprofit to donate to.
Businesses will follow up with individuals for payment and then they will give the gift card directly to the selected nonprofit.
In addition, businesses and nonprofits interested in participating in the initiative can also register on the site.
“Local businesses and nonprofits have a long history of supporting each other and our community,” said Barbara Wescott, Founder and CEO of Shop Tally with Swell Coin. “And now through Pay It Forward, as a community we can help support them back and return the favor. Thank you to Leon County for making this possible.”
The Pay It Forward initiative will spotlight participating businesses and nonprofits through digital and social media efforts.
County officials are encouraging shoppers to keep the momentum going through sharing photos and stories on social media using the hashtag #PayItForward.
