Facebook group becomes a hit, encourages shopping local on Delmarva

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – In a time where many business owners are on edge, Dave Galeone is doing everything he can to help ease some of those fears.

“I know these employers don’t want to lay anybody off and they’re doing anything they can possibly do to sustain their business so they can keep their doors open,” said Galeone.

To help local businesses, Galeone created a Facebook group called ‘Shop Local Delmarva’. A place where people can promote their business, connect with customers, post menus and products and so much more.

“Somebody posted that they can’t find bread, or they can’t find diapers, or they can’t find wipes. There’s a neighbor every single time that jumps in to offer to get it for someone. Offers to take it to them, or meet them.”

With the group up and running for a little more than two weeks, it already has more than 6,000 members and counting. And with each post, Galeone says the community support grows stronger.

“This is Delmarva. I might’ve started the group, but I am certainly not taking credit for all the good things that are happening here.”

So how’s it work? Just open up Facebook and search Shop Local Delmarva and click the join group tab. And soon, you’ll have access to all things local.

“The only rule is to be kind. There are some other rules you can read them as you join. But the main rule is to be kind.”

And while no one’s sure exactly how long this pandemic will last, Galeone says it’s important now more than ever before to be there for each other.

“I want the community to support your business and I want people that own businesses, to support the community.”

For a link to join the Facebook group, click here.