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Twin Sisters Poster Pandemic Pioneers

How Presidential call-to-action became an outdoor sign phenomenon

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Lawn Signs have become outward signs of celebrating workers and special events

In the middle of March, President Trump asked American citizens to say thank you first to responders and essential personnel for their actions during the COVID pandemic.

Twin sisters Joanne Albarano and Gina Bruno realized that although the duo could not physically hug or touch these workers, the sisters could resource their brand new printing company, 2 Twins Digital Printing & Graphic Designs to create unique signs of appreciation.

Their creation – banner signs declaring their gratitude for First Responders and Essential Workers.

Twin Sisters Joanne and Gina celebrated their 50th Birthday earlier this year

Joanne, a graphic designer who has been in the printing industry for 30 years, knew exactly how to create an engaging product that would follow appropriate safety protocols while paying tribute to local heroes.

Gina, who suffers from Lupus, pitched in by lending her organizational and communication skills to support her sister’s vision.

Even niece Gianna got in on the act buy learning Photoshop from home to help the fledgling business that only opened its doors January of this year.

The result? A viral sign phenomenon that has stretched not only through Rockaway, but all five boroughs of New York, and throughout the country.

2Twin signs that thank others for their dedication to their professions, can be found as far as California, Arizona, and all along the east coast.

Recognizing the economic climate, Joanne and Gina priced the signs at a modest $20 per sign with five dollars from each sale going towards helping others, (more on the $5 donation in a moment).

Soon community and small business advocate, Liz Hanna discovered the signs and shared images of them with the Rockaway community through her newly developed Facebook page: RBNY Rockaway Businesses Need You.

The Rockaway audience of nearly 2,700 members immediately embraced the idea, with Hanna acting as a sales liaison between locals and the Staten Island-based printing company.

“Once Rockaway saw the signs, that’s when sales exploded”, described Albarano.

Hanna shared “With they have allowed me… to do with the five-dollar sign donation speaks volumes about them… I figured out today that we have sold nearly 750 signs”

With the sisters’ blessing, the $5 donation quickly added to over $3,700 which Hanna leveraged to develop personal care packages and meal donations to St. John Episcopal Hospital staff members, calling the packages “Grab and Go Package”.

Local non-profit Rockaway’s Greybeards provided additional support to Hanna who helped coordinate the comfort package elements and fulfillment of the “Grab and Go” comfort items.

“…Letting us use the five dollars towards the grab and go package is just phenomenal and so generous”, continued Hanna.

Thanks to selling such a high quantity of signs sold, the per sign donation pool grew and became the fund for people who desperately wanted signs but could not afford the signs, particularly the elderly, disabled, and unemployed.

Quarantine Delivery

From their Staten Island headquarters, the sisters were able to deploy a convoy of delivery volunteers who were unemployed due to COVID-19.

Deliveries are contact-less, with volunteers wearing both gloves and masks for each drop-off.

Signs are tacked into customer’s lawns, cell picture snapped and then sent via text to customers. Customers, in turn, leave payment in their mailbox for the delivery person.

Boosting Local Businesses

The well-documented economic hardship has taken a significant hit on small businesses, but thanks to their relationship with 2Twin, businesses that would have otherwise gone bankrupt, were saved.

Staten Island-based AI Shipping, the Cropsy Lounge, Sunrise Bagels, and Nature’s Grill were all on the verge of closing their doors for good, but by posting the 2Twin signs in their windows or becoming sales partners – customers responded to these businesses and came in and bought the signs and merchandise.

Out of gratitude for saving their stores, several business owners would then donate part of their proceeds to charity, including St. Jude’s and animal rescue organizations.

Signs – Social Distance Celebration Tool

Due to social distancing protocols, special events have been difficult to celebrate, so Albarano went back to the literal drawing board creating outdoor signs for Graduates, Birthdays, and special event celebrations.

2Twin signs have become so popular that those who make their way outdoors in Rockaway, will most likely see several of their products distributed throughout the area. In a time where spirits are challenged, witnessing outward signs of positivity is something that many residents appreciate.

Signs displaying appreciation for essential workers designed by 2Twin – All Photos Courtesy of 2Twins Printing

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