Mattoon businesses getting helping hand after 'do not drink' order is lifted again
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MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA) — Even with the second “do not drink” order lifted, some are still feeling the negative effects in Mattoon.

The two “do not drink” orders in the city have caused some businesses to close for a week. Others were able to stay open but have had to adjust what they do to keep people safe. Now, organizations from around Central Illinois are pitching in to help.

The Mattoon Chamber of Commerce is helping non-chain businesses like these by giving them $1,500. The chamber said the Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation out of Effingham gave money to help try and make up for losses. The nonprofit was able to give checks to 18 businesses in the city like Hunan Chinese restaurant, Luigi’s Italian and more.

However, it didn’t stop there. The Original Burger King decided they wanted to help out their fellow food spots as well.

“They gave $5,000 for the locally owned downtown restaurants,” said Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ed Dowd. “And there are seven locally owned downtown restaurants. So, the Mattoon Chamber Charitable Corporation, we contributed an extra $2,000 so that we can give $1,000 to each of those as well.”

Another nonprofit is getting involved as well. The Community Foundation of East Central Illinois is matching donations for Mattoon up to $7,500.

The foundation’s CEO said $15,000 will go to nonprofits in the Mattoon area who can distribute it where they see need. The latest tests showed toxin levels are below the safety limit, meaning people can resume using the tap water.

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