ChristianaCare started accepting medical supply donations to help battle coronavirus and protect healthcare workers today in Newport.
They are asking for unused items, such as masks, scrubs, gloves, cleaning supplies and hand sanitizer at the drive-thru site.
ChristianaCare Vice President of community health and engagement Erin Booker, says they have what they need now - but want to be ready for a potential surge in COVID-19 patients.
“We’re looking for masks, for gloves, for safety glasses, the list goes on. But for everything, if you have 5 pairs of gloves that are brand new and packaged please bring them. Because that’s five more people that get to be safe that day to take care of your neighbor," said Booker.
Local business owners Dave Tiberi and Richard Piendak reached out to ChristianaCare to start the donation line. Tiberi says community leaders were eager to kickstart the effort.
“If we can’t, in Delaware, activate the community, something is wrong," said Tiberi. "And of course, like usual, the Delaware community stepped up.”
ChristianaCare asks people to donate items they already have and not buy supplies to donate. Monetary donations can be made online.
Tiberi asked people to consider donating supplies that may be left in offices of businesses that are closed.
“If you have things in your office and your office is closed right now, or your warehouse is closed, take the time to get those products and get them over to us so we can make sure we get it in the right hands,” said Tiberi.
Donations are accepted at 110 W. Market Street in Newport from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m thru Friday, though Tiberi hopes to make it an ongoing effort.
To keep volunteers safe, those donating are asked to pack their supplies in the back or trunk of their car and pull into the donation line where someone will unload the supplies.
