Hello everyone!

I am heartbroken to see Oakland Chinatown destroyed and looted from (See Damage).

Chinatown is so close to my heart. When I moved here fresh out of college, it's the place I went to to get cheap, healthy meals, eyewear, and affordable fruits and vegetables. In graduate school, the $0.65 dumplings got me going. For $3 you get free tea, small ribs, and rice from a hole in the wall establishment where everyone ignores you until you wave a $5 bill. My favorite dumpling shop would also throw in extra rice and vegetables after 4 PM.  I know that I'm not the only one who Chinatown fed, welcomed, and got unsolicited but well-meaning advice from. 

It is one of East Bay's gems and I want to help small business owners recover from this. Unlike big stores like Target or Walgreens, these are small family-owned businesses. They work long hours, day in and day out. I cannot imagine how they would be able to recover from COVID and now this destruction. 

With your help, I would love to extend direct financial help to Chinatown small business owners.  

Sincerely, 
A Filipino immigrant who loves Oakland Chinatown's culture, people, and food.


Note: Photos are not mine, ctto.