Irish America in Support of Healthcare Workers has announced its first donation drive to be held on Friday, April 3.Getty Images
Irish America in Support of Healthcare Workers has announced its first donation drive to be held at three NYC locations on Friday, April 3.
Irish America in Support of Healthcare Workers, a massive support effort launched by Irish and Irish Americans local to NYC, has organized its first donation drive to be held on Friday, April 3 in Manhattan, Queens, and Yonkers.
Read More: New York Irish launch massive support effort amidst coronavirus
While organizers are encouraging monetary donations via their GoFundMe page, they are additionally requesting the following much-needed personal protection equipment (PPEs) which can be immediately used:
- N95 or N99 masks (commonly used in construction)
- Tyvek Suits: hooded "bunny" suits or non-hooded variety
- Gloves, rubber or nitrile
- Face shields
- Goggles
The following specific cleaning supplies are also being requested:
- Any cleaning wipes or liquid that is 70% alcohol or above
- Bleach or bleach-based cleaning products
- Anything specifically labeled as viricidal
- Hand Sanitizer
Organizers said that one of the side-effects of PPE use is dehydration, so they are also requesting bottled water and sports drinks that are electrolyte-based such as Gatorade.
If you are able to donate any of the above materials, you are encouraged to visit one of the following drop-off locations on Friday, April 3:
The Long Hall Pub
- 58 E 34th St, New York, New York 10016
- 1 pm - 3 pm
- Event information
New York Irish Center
- 1040 Jackson Ave, Long Island City 11101
- 12 pm - 2 pm
- Event information
Aisling Irish Center
- 990 McLean Ave, Yonkers, New York 10704
- 12 pm - 2 pm
- Event Information
Organizers note that donors should be prepared to "drop and go" for health and safety purposes. Donors and volunteers are urged to adhere to social distancing guidelines and wear gloves if possible. Organizers add: "Please ONLY donate if you feel safe doing so and are prepared to follow statewide guidelines.”
A team of medical professionals will inspect the donations before they are donated to local hospitals that are in need thanks to help from the Padded Wagon moving company.
Read More: NY nurse among COVID-19 deaths as staff complain about lack of protective clothing
Earlier this week, organizers launched the 'Irish America in Support of Healthcare Workers' effort in the spirit of meitheal, an Irish tradition that sees neighbors helping neighbors in times of need.
Sophie Colgan, a native of Co Down who now lives in New Jersey and is among the organizers of the effort, shared this video better explaining the initiative:
To learn more about Irish America in Support of Healthcare Workers, you can visit their Facebook page and GoFundMe page here.
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