Help Save Jungle Java-Canton
Donation protected
Dear Friends, Family, & Customers of Jungle Java in Canton,
As you may already know, Laurel and Eric Hess are the owner-operators of Jungle Java in Canton. They have both been in their store greeting customers and keeping things running smoothly for the past 15 years. It’s been their sole family income for most of that time and they have been able to buy a home and raise their two boys in the community they love, thanks to all of the amazing customers that have supported them over the years.
Jungle Java in Canton has become the place for parents and caregivers to be able to come to relax and enjoy, celebrate, or simply de-stress. It’s been a life-saver for so many parents and children looking for a place to have fun, socialize, and simply enjoy being in one another’s company. It’s loved by so many in our community. It’s not a fancy, flashy place. It’s a true small (mom & pop) business that has always stepped up to donate when local schools and other non-profit organizations ask. They donate hundreds of free birthday parties every year to schools in the Metro Detroit area.
Due to the COVID Shut Down Order, they have been forced to close their doors. They were forced closed on March 16th and do not anticipate being allowed to open back up anytime soon. They will likely be one of the very last businesses allowed to open again. Once they do open again, they do not expect to be busy and profitable again for a very long time to come. Let’s face it, social distancing is difficult to do inside of a children’s playscape.
But the Hesses are determined to keep fighting. They feel they owe it to their customers, their employees, and to themselves. The Hesses and their employees have put years of hard work and love into the very best children’s play place in Michigan and they are now suffering. One of their managers has been with them for 18 years, since the very first day Jungle Java opened it’s doors. He deserves a chance to come back to the job he loves.
If you have time, read these two newspaper articles to get more details about their story. Keya Vakil with the Courier wrote about them here https://couriernewsroom.com/2020/04/16/this-womans-story-shows-what-a-failure-the-governments-small-business-bailout-has-been/ and Ed Wright with their local Hometownlife paper told their story here https://www.hometownlife.com/story/news/local/canton/2020/04/21/canton-store-example-how-coronavirus-devastates-small-business/5161286002/
The Hesses and their employee are now suffering. They have not yet received any word back about PPP and have had zero income since March 16th. They have turned off and cancelled everything they can think of to save money. But they still have a very large rent payment due each month, along with monthly business liability insurance, electric, phone, and internet bills. With the business bank account dwindling and no government help on the horizon, they can’t wait much longer for federal or state funds to maybe, eventually be released.
Posting this was a difficult decision. I knew Laurel & Eric wouldn’t like it. But so many reached out with real, heartfelt concern for their situation, I felt this could also be a way for those looking to help in some small way during this crisis to do so.
The Hesses appreciate every last one of their friends and customers and cannot wait to greet them again over a tall, hot, caramel latte while their children happily play again at their very favorite indoor children’s play place, Jungle Java in Canton.
#SmallBusinessRelief
Thank you,
Trichelle Touma
As you may already know, Laurel and Eric Hess are the owner-operators of Jungle Java in Canton. They have both been in their store greeting customers and keeping things running smoothly for the past 15 years. It’s been their sole family income for most of that time and they have been able to buy a home and raise their two boys in the community they love, thanks to all of the amazing customers that have supported them over the years.
Jungle Java in Canton has become the place for parents and caregivers to be able to come to relax and enjoy, celebrate, or simply de-stress. It’s been a life-saver for so many parents and children looking for a place to have fun, socialize, and simply enjoy being in one another’s company. It’s loved by so many in our community. It’s not a fancy, flashy place. It’s a true small (mom & pop) business that has always stepped up to donate when local schools and other non-profit organizations ask. They donate hundreds of free birthday parties every year to schools in the Metro Detroit area.
Due to the COVID Shut Down Order, they have been forced to close their doors. They were forced closed on March 16th and do not anticipate being allowed to open back up anytime soon. They will likely be one of the very last businesses allowed to open again. Once they do open again, they do not expect to be busy and profitable again for a very long time to come. Let’s face it, social distancing is difficult to do inside of a children’s playscape.
But the Hesses are determined to keep fighting. They feel they owe it to their customers, their employees, and to themselves. The Hesses and their employees have put years of hard work and love into the very best children’s play place in Michigan and they are now suffering. One of their managers has been with them for 18 years, since the very first day Jungle Java opened it’s doors. He deserves a chance to come back to the job he loves.
If you have time, read these two newspaper articles to get more details about their story. Keya Vakil with the Courier wrote about them here https://couriernewsroom.com/2020/04/16/this-womans-story-shows-what-a-failure-the-governments-small-business-bailout-has-been/ and Ed Wright with their local Hometownlife paper told their story here https://www.hometownlife.com/story/news/local/canton/2020/04/21/canton-store-example-how-coronavirus-devastates-small-business/5161286002/
The Hesses and their employee are now suffering. They have not yet received any word back about PPP and have had zero income since March 16th. They have turned off and cancelled everything they can think of to save money. But they still have a very large rent payment due each month, along with monthly business liability insurance, electric, phone, and internet bills. With the business bank account dwindling and no government help on the horizon, they can’t wait much longer for federal or state funds to maybe, eventually be released.
Posting this was a difficult decision. I knew Laurel & Eric wouldn’t like it. But so many reached out with real, heartfelt concern for their situation, I felt this could also be a way for those looking to help in some small way during this crisis to do so.
The Hesses appreciate every last one of their friends and customers and cannot wait to greet them again over a tall, hot, caramel latte while their children happily play again at their very favorite indoor children’s play place, Jungle Java in Canton.
#SmallBusinessRelief
Thank you,
Trichelle Touma
Organizer and beneficiary
Trichelle Touma
Organizer
Canton Township, MI
Laurel Hess
Beneficiary