I'm really going to try not to go off on a rant about what is happening in our nation right now. I'm going to keep most of my opinions to myself, because quite frankly, I don't feel comfortable publicly expressing them.

The one thing I will say is that I fully support the PEACEFUL George Floyd protests going on, but the looting and riots that have followed are nothing short of disgusting. They overshadow the original message, and prove nothing but criminal intent. They are hurting businesses that are already struggling to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic, and I just cannot understand what is achieved by hurting so many in our community.

I did promise I wouldn't start ranting, so let me now instead plead for you to help a local family, and business owner, in need.

Soto's Jewelry, located in the Fairview Shopping Center at 3504 E State St., was one of the businesses hit by looters in Rockford on Saturday night. Yes they suffered losses, but what makes it even sadder to me is that this locally-owned family business is already reeling from losses experienced from the COVID-19 pandemic, AND they have a new baby on the way.

A GoFundMe has been created to help the family that owns Soto's Jewelry. The fundraising page says;

This money will be going to Sergio & his family  They got a baby on the way soon they need all the love and support they can at this moment.  They didn’t deserve for their business to get recklessly broken into this was something unexpected . These people are the sweetest people along with the people that  work with them . They did nothing to deserve this . It’s so sad to see people’s actions and how they are affecting others . Please share ,donate anything you’d like

If there is any way we can make it through the chaos that is our world right now, we have to support one another and STOP THE SENSELESS MADNESS. We have to step up for others and show that good still does exist in this world. Please consider making a donation today, here.

Catch Lil Zim on ‘Q98.5 Mornings with Lil Zim & JB’ on Q98.5 from 6:00 a.m. to 10 a.m. Follow her on TwitterInstagram, and Facebook

Here are some tips for self-care during the pandemic:

More From 97 ZOK