Businesses in Downtown Hastings struggling to survive amid the pandemic now have a new gift of sorts this holiday season.

Destination Hastings Downtown Dollars allows shoppers to purchase digital gift cards to use a participating stores.

The program kicked off Nov. 30.

"Great program for the community," said Danny Maldonado, a local merchant.

The village's downtown advocate says they have been looking to do a community gift card for years.

Village officials say the new initiative underscores just how important Downtown Hastings is to the village's economy.

The Destination Hastings Downtown Dollars program is expected to continue beyond the holiday season.

Hastings village officials say downtown merchants who participate in the digital gift card program do not incur any costs beyond what they already pay to accept credit cards.