San Luis Obispo has looked different for 67 days and counting ever since the stay-at-home order was issued, but local businesses want people to know they are here for good and to wear those words proudly.
The presses inside the warehouse of Left Coast T-Shirt Co. in San Luis Obispo haven't moved much.
"Our business has been slow. Not going to lie. Our customers are retail shops, tourist shops, event companies, Cal Poly, schools, churches. With all of that stuff shutting down, people aren't ordering," Whitaker said.
Owner David Whitaker recently found an idea online, a way to bridge the gap between businesses in need of support and a way to spur solidarity among the community.
"Here for Good SLO" is a partnership between Left Coast and local businesses, making custom shirts that sport the logo of favorite local restaurants, businesses, non-profits, and teams.
Each shirt costs $25. The profits are a 50/50 split between the business on the front of the shirt and Left Coast, a proposition that more than 25 businesses have signed onto, with dozens more in talks to join up.
"It feels good to be able to help the community, it feels good to be doing something again," Whitaker said. "For awhile, there was no business coming in. We were spinning our wheels on what to do so it feels good to have a project to pursue something that helps the community."
A small business loan has helped Left Coast T-Shirt Company start up production with the ability to hire back staff and get the presses printing again.
Men's and women's shirts, tanktops, and youth sized shirts are available. Whitaker says they will also add a "Here for good" mask option soon.
Click here to browse the selection.
"Every t-shirt helps. The little bits add up. And it could be significant. One step at a time," Whitaker said. "For those who have purchased so far, thank you so much. Thank you for supporting us."
If you are a business interested in teaming up with left coast, you can email them on their website here.
