Posting publicly to itsFacebook page, Saint Francis Healthcare has shared that it is accepting donations from the community in response to the fight against coronavirus.
The Healthcare organization posted that they are accepting donations of unopened items like:
- PAPRs
• Regular Masks
• N95 Masks
• Face Shields
• Gowns
• Surgical Caps/Protective Caps
• Eyeglass Shields/Goggles
• Nasal Testing Swabs
• M4 Viral Media
• Lysol or Clorox Wipes
• Hand Sanitizer
• Transparency Sheets
However, Saint Francis will not be accepting any homemade personal protective equipment (PPE) like face mask, said Kate Johnston, Saint Francis’ onsite marketing contact. There are certain materials known to provide safe barriers for healthcare workers from the virus, and homemade face masks are hard to verify whether they meet those standards, she said.
Donations can be dropped off at the loading dock behind the hospital on DuPont Street. The center will accept donations Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. but hours may change depending on staffing, Johnston said.
Saint Francis has been “overwhelmed by the community support,” she said, and is grateful for “the love from the Catholic community.”
Saint Francis Healthcare has had businesses of all sizes make donations and businesses like Rocco Italian Grill & Sports Bar in Wilmington give kind gestures by donating lunch to those working on the front line, Johnston said.
While the community continues to show support through donations, members can also show support with “good wishes and prayers,” said Johnston.
Reiterating what many other officials have said and continue to say, she agrees that it is important to stay home during this pandemic.
