LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The long line outside of Shanghai Taste on Saturday was not unusual for the popular Shaghai Plaza in Las Vegas' Chinatown. And yet, it was a testament to the restaurant's generosity.
“We just felt like we had to do something and we’re going to do this as long as we can and as long as we can afford to,” said Joe Muscaglione, a partner with Shanghai Taste.
The restaurant was giving free food to anyone in the community. He says it’s a way to give back with many businesses shut down to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
“The support from this community has been great and we’re overwhelmed, and we’re blessed,” he said.
Across town, at the LGBTQ center on Maryland Parkway near Charleston Boulevard, people lined up for food and produce donated from Las Vegas valley casinos.
“It’s great man, it’s righteous man. You got to do good. Especially in times like this with stuff like this going on,” said Chris Ponder, who lives in Las Vegas.
Hundreds of people took advantage of the food drive, grabbing the essentials needed to help weather the tough economic times.
“We know the community right now needs food. A lot of people don’t have money. They got laid off,” said Chris Davin, president of Equality Nevada.
By ensuring no one goes hungry at the drive, those needing help say it was much needed relief.
“You know people still got kids and stuff to feed and this helps out. I got eight kids myself, so this is a blessing,” Ponder said.
A blessing that can come in different forms to help make Vegas stronger.
“It’s time like this that we have to put everything aside and whether it’s political differences or any other differences, and come together and help each other the best we can,” Muscaglione said.
