You’d be hard-pressed to find a business owner who isn’t working around the clock to try and adapt to the current climate that COVID-19 has created. Hoboken is a small but mighty town, so it’s no surprise that locals have continued to support businesses by purchasing gift cards, DIY kits, ordering delivery, and setting up fundraisers. Every level of support — big and small — makes an impact and helps a business stay afloat until it can safely reopen. And businesses themselves have been giving back to the community as well by donating food and supplies to local hospitals and first responders.
See More: A List of Hoboken + Jersey City Businesses Helping Healthcare Workers
But one business and family is facing another kind of challenge. Tamara Soru, a Hoboken resident of 18 years and mom of two boys is the owner of The Little Play Co — a space designed for kids to play, learn, and celebrate together. Like many other businesses, The Little Play Co. was forced to shut its doors in March from the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. While Tam {as she’s known to her close friends} was busy thinking up ways to save her business, she received more devastating news — she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Tam now has not only been tasked with fighting for the viability of her business but has to also fight for her life. Her good friends Alanna Mastine, Alexandra Allen, and Amanda Spurlock know that these two hardships have caused much pain and stress for Tam and her family, so they set out to try and help alleviate some of that stress by setting up a Go Fund Me campaign to support her during this time.
Tam’s Battle
“TLPC has a very real chance of shutting down due to recent diagnosis of breast cancer so a few of us are determined not to let that happen for her sake and for the good of Hoboken,” Alanna Mastine told Hoboken Girl. This financial support will allow Tam to focus more of her energy on recovery and ensure that TLPC will continue to operate in Hoboken.
About The Little Play Co.
The Little Play Co. is a custom-crafted play space that’s reminiscent of all of our favorite spots in the little city of Hoboken. Parents bring their kids for play sessions as a regular part of their schedule. It’s also a popular spot for birthday parties and special events, with a private space for kids to celebrate their special day with a themed party and all their friends. Each playhouse is designed down to the smallest detail and is outfitted with costumes, furnishings, and toys so that little ones can explore, discover, imagine, and play.
It was an easy choice for Tam to make Hoboken home for her family and her business, telling us, “Being a long time resident of Hoboken, making the decision to stay and raise my kids here was a no brainer and was the obvious choice of location to start/open my business. It’s not just the beauty of our town itself, but the beautiful people that make up the heart of our little city. The outpouring of love and support during these tough times is generous and so gracious. Not just for me and my health, but the support of our local small businesses and all affected by this pandemic.”
We are looking forward to seeing The Little Play Co. reopen {along with all the other businesses we love} and our support and hearts go out to Tam and her family while she works to beat cancer. To donate to her GoFund Me page, click here.
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