With so many local small businesses in the area teetering on the verge of throwing in the towel due to COVID-19, one business pioneer took it upon herself to do her part while representing her own company.

Amy Chmielewski of American Family Insurance in Becker this week handed over $1,000 worth of gift cards to the Becker Food Shelf from local restaurants she summoned.

All out of her own pocket.

“It’s just one way I figured I could give back,” said Chmielewski. “Restaurants are struggling and I really wanted to help in some, small way.”

It all started when Chmielewski visited Jack & Jim’s in Duelm and purchased a $100 gift card. Members of her family own the restaurant and she wanted to “pitch in” a little and from there she started calling around.

“Originally, I was going to do $500, but after thinking about it, I decided to go to $1,000,” she said. “All the businesses were very thankful and appreciative.”

Chmielewski contacted Charlie’s Sports Bar owner and bought a $300 gift card. She then contacted Los Ortizes, Pizza Depot and Pebble Creek Grill and purchased $200 gift cards. She then gathered the cards into an envelope and called the Becker Food Shelf.

Janet Boettcher, coordinator of Becker’s Food Shelf, was called to Chmielewski’s office along 1st Street to receive the envelope. Amy pulled together her employees to share in the presentation.

“I really wanted the families who frequent the food shelf to get something during these trying times,” said Chmielewski.

Chmielewski has been in insurance for over 30 years, 25 of those years in Becker. Her team of Kate Cook, Amy Beth Bodine and Baleigh Chmielewski are all licensed customer service representatives.