Businesses in Gates are stepping up following a crash that left two Gates toddlers seriously injured.

“I freaked out," QT Nails manager Tanya Appleberry said. "It was horrible to see something like that.”

Appleberry and Christine Dimora of Etna Pastry Shoope say they were working in their respective shops Thursday when a distracted driver jumped the curb of Lyell Avenue. The car ended up striking a red wagon being pulled in their plaza parking lot, seriously injuring the 15-month-old and 2-year-old inside.

“I saw the wagon and I knew it was the Dad that came through with his kids all the time,” Dimora said.

Being familiar with the family involved in the accident, they wanted to help.

“He comes through many times a day, and the kids come into the bakery and they want a cookie," Dimora said. "So you know them on a personal level.”

Both children are expected to have a difficult recovery ahead.

“That is heartbreaking to see stuff like that," Appleberry said. "I’d expect somebody to do the same for my children.”

Both stores are collecting donations and gift cards to help the family, which can be dropped off during regular business hours. For them, they feel it’s just the right thing to do.

“We just want the family to know both businesses here, our hearts go out to you," Dimora said. "We hope everybody recovers quickly, and gets home. We’re thinking of you.”