Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses, individuals, and groups have generously stepped up to support Hastings County and its essential services.
Hastings County Paramedic Services have received donations of vital protective equipment including hand sanitizer and tyvek suits, as well as coffee, food, and personalized notes from elementary school children.
Our long-term care homes have received donations for the team members, including: masks, gloves, N95 and surgical masks, ear protectors, headbands, as well as coffee, food and treats. Residents at the homes have received iPads to communicate with loved ones, televisions, treats, stuffed bunnies, and flowers, as well as artwork and notes from children and families.
Many of the donations have been unsolicited, and sometimes anonymous.
“We are really seeing the generous nature of the residents of Hastings County,” stated Warden Rick Phillips. “It makes me proud every day to be the Warden of such an incredible group of communities.”
In some cases, like personal protective equipment and food trays, an appeal was made through social media, and the response was overwhelming. Many businesses and residents answered the call individually, but there has also been a coordinated response from a Facebook Group called “Supporting Health Care Workers’ Fight vs COVID-19”. This group, led by Duncan Armstrong and Josh Leavey, is made up of a large number of residents from Hastings County, who want to help where needed. “There has been incredible willingness for people in our community to help however they can,” stated Duncan Armstrong. “Our group is happy to support the front line healthcare workers who are supporting those in need from our communities.”
When the group receives a request from front line health workers or their agency, it is posted on the Facebook Group page, and members respond. Whether personally, or using contacts they may have with individuals or businesses, they have been incredibly quick at meeting the needs.
When Hastings County put out its requests, the group immediately responded, providing such essential items as personal protective equipment and tv tray tables for quarantined residents in Hastings Manor.
“It is just incredible to see the immediate response to our requests, we are very thankful,” stated Hastings County CAO, Jim Pine. “Hastings County’s mission is ‘Supporting People and Our Communities’ and now we are seeing our communities supporting Hastings County.”
