BOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WSAZ) -- With the auto industry in crisis, it's logical that a local car dealership would team up with a radio station for an AK Steelworkers food drive

Car Dealer Chris Fannin says when people are laid off it effects everyone, "this is a community thing when one suffers, we all suffer."

At the Ashland Town Center Mall they are giving holiday discount coupons to the seven or 800 current and soon to be laid off area employees.

Restaurants like Chick-fil-A and Gattiland are finalizing plans to help feed furloughed families until they return to work.

"AK Steel is the heart and soul of this area, we'll help any way we can," said Manager Tammy Bussey.

The president of the Ashland Alliance, Jim Purgerson says dozens of area business and civic groups are getting on board the assistance train, "everybody likes a little discount, but it’s about helping," he said.

But earning an average of $20 an hour, will laid off AK Steelworkers really need cans of corn?

Union folks say the majority of laid off AK Steelworkers will take home between unemployment and sub pay about $400 a week, after taxes. Many will earn in a month, what they used to make in a week.

The Steelworker's Union President Mike Hewlett says many don't realize the financial pinch the rank and file will soon feel.

"Some will lose their health benefits at the end of the month, young families, along with house and car payment challenges," Hewlett said.

Union officials say they have negotiated sub pay and health benefits for 119 workers that had less than three years with the company.

Those workers were not covered when the layoffs were initially announced.

Benefits for those workers will run through February.

Union leaders say if AK employees have questions about their layoffs and benefits they should call the steelworkers hot line at (606) 329 1865.