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That's what's happening to a Massapequa ceramics shop owner who had to close her business during the pandemic but kept busy by making thousands of angels to give to those on the front lines to let them know they were heroes.
Catherine Camisa, who owns Mom's Ceramics, invested her entire life savings to open her store which is now filled with thousands of molds and ceramics for every season since closing.
She doesn't have any employees, so during her downtime, she decided to keep busy by making thousands of angels to give out to everyone from firefighters to police officers and nurses and doctors.
The only problem is she is now more than $87,000 behind in her rent and friends are stepping in with a GoFundMe account in hopes of raising the money so the neighborhood shop can stay open for all the Moms who love to visit there.
She has applied for federal help but was denied twice because she doesn't have any employees. Now she afraid it's almost time to close the doors if she can't come up with at least some of her back rent.
Her landlord, despite a statewide moratorium on commercial evictions, has filed a lawsuit against her for back rent payments.
"Much like thousands of small business owners, the heart of communities all across the country, Cathy knew she had to close her store to customers, having to sacrifice her only income," said GoFundMe organizer Kristine Mestecky.
But, she added: "Instead of letting her own personal trials get in the way, she figured out how she can do her part, to give back and say thank you."
That part was the angel project.
Now, in addition to the GoFundMe effort, the community of Massapequa is also coming to the rescue by donating baskets which will be part of a raffle to raise money so she can pay her rent.
"Please find it in your heart to donate and help provide smiles for this angel who gave to so, many," said Mestecky.
The raffles will be part of a fundraising event at a local restaurant scheduled for Wednesday, March 10.
To donate, click GoFundMe here.
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