A Union City restaurant is receiving some much needed help through a random act of kindness. 

In July, Debbi and Greg James, owners of JJ's Retro Eatery, posted on Facebook about the dire challenges the restaurant has faced amid the COVID-19 pandemic. They also posted a thank you to an unknown person who mowed the lawn of the restaurant. 

After seeing the Facebook post, a former customer of the restaurant who now lives in Virginia took action. 

Julie Swartz, a docketing specialist for Fairfax, Va.-based law firm Harrity, LLP, saw the post on Facebook. Swartz grew up in Erie and had eaten at the restaurant years ago. Seeing the post and learning about the situation the restaurant was in, as well as the random act of kindness of someone mowing the lawn of the restaurant, Swartz knew she had to somehow pay it forward. 

Swartz, who now lives in Evans City, Pa., with the help of a COVID-19 relief fund established by Harrity 4 Charity - the giving-back initiative of Harrity LLP -, got in the car and drove to JJ's. 

There, she presented the restaurant with a relief check, new banners for the restaurant's front, flowers for curb appeal and cleaning supplies. Swartz then spent the day with the Debbi and Greg James and their family to prepare for reopening after Pennsylvania's spring shutdown. 

Since then, Harrity has provided a financial helping hand to the struggling eatery. 

This holiday season, Swartz is now helping the James family organize a Holiday Pie Drive By for JJ's, which is known for its baked goods. Swartz has volunteered to help pass out flyers and make deliveries. 

"We have put everything we have into this business and have been blessed with many successful years," said Debbi James. "But the past year has been an extreme struggle with the times we are face with during this pandemic. We are struggling to survive day-to-day and we owe so much to Harrity for offering their help, along with a thank you to Julie, who has the most caring heart ever." 

JJ's will host the Holiday Baked Goods Drive By through Christmas. 10 of JJ's most popular pies will be sold during the event, along with six flavors of cheesecake, four types of turnovers, jumbo cinnamon or maple rolls and an assorted Christmas cookie tray. 

JJ's Retro Eatery is located at 16411 Route 8 in Union City. Business hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

The restaurant will also be open on Dec. 23 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for customers to pick up pre-ordered baked goods only. 

To view a menu and place an order, click here. 

Orders must be placed by Dec. 20 and can be picked up curbside. Free delivery is available within a 10-mile radius of the restaurant.