MEDFORD, Ore. — On a local level, the restaurant industry has perhaps been hit the hardest by the ongoing response to coronavirus. For that reason, Rockwell Real Estate Group says it wants to get in touch with restaurants that are struggling in order to offer some support.

"Lots of things are still uncertain about how the virus has affected us and how it will continue to affect our community long term, however Jake [Rockwell] and his team at the Rockwell Group are dedicated to helping in any way they can," the real estate firm said in a statement.

Rockwell says they have pledged $5,000 towards restaurants or other local organizations that are suffering directly from the state-mandated closures. Now they are asking for the community to point them in the direction of people who have been most affected.

After choosing 10 local businesses, Rockwell Group wants to buy gift cards up to $5,000 to distribute out to families that are hurting from the shutdown and would most benefit from the meals. Then they can go get food at the restaurants in need of support.

"Working to help support the families that are hardest hit, Jake and the Rockwell Group hope to be able to help support the small businesses of the community with some income during this downturn, and likewise use that income to help support others during this time," the real estate firm said.

Rockwell Group is asking for people to offer their stories and nominations for where they feel this money would best benefit those in the community. Gift cards will be bought in the coming weeks and then distributed as these businesses start to reopen.