Kelly said that because the winter season is always slow in Long Beach, local businesses are feeling the pain now more than ever. “There are lots of question marks,” she said. “When you see those ‘For Rent’ signs, it’s really scary. It’s a concern.”

As a business owner herself, Kelly said that she is aware of the precarious situation that Long Beach businesses are in. Even if they are able to open, the customers aren’t there. And without a boardwalk, the summer months, which are the bread and butter for local businesses, seems uncertain as well, she said.

“[Long Beach] definitely helps their own,” she said. “But we have to figure out a way to get other people to cross over to our side of the bridge and help us.”

For more information, check out Project Pay It Forward on Facebook, or visit its website at www.projectpayitforwardlb.com