Pay It Forward – Free Headshots for Unemployed Workers

 

COVID-19 has had an unprecedented impact on the lives of Americans worldwide.? In the DMV region, in particular, the unemployment rate has skyrocketed leaving hundreds of thousands without jobs during this global pandemic.? In the spirit of giving back, Fox 5 DC and Easterns Automotive Group decided to do something very special for this week?s Pay It Forward.

With so many feeling the impact of job loss by coronavirus, the Pay It Forward crew decided to partner with local photographer Samira Rashid and Creative Saints Loft in Hyattsville, Maryland.? They set up an entire day where they provided free headshots to people to help them relaunch their careers. ?Ishmael Wilson of Fresh Dry Cleaners chatted with Bob Barnard of Fox 5 DC about losing about 85% of their customers because of the pandemic.? People are not getting their clothes dry cleaned as much as before because the majority of them are working from home.

Easterns Automotive Group was happy to partner with Fox 5 DC to curate this amazing event. The smiles in the room were priceless because this small gesture meant the world to those that were there.? People were able to dress up and feel good about themselves again.? It also gave them the boost of confidence that they need to go out there and find another opportunity. ?Joel Bassam of Easterns paid for the venue as well as new headshots for 15 people.? Giving back is necessary ? even if it?s not much. Everyone can their part!

If you know someone in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area that goes above and beyond the call and is worthy of being recognized,?Click here?to nominate them.

?Watch the video to see the way everything unfolded.