Published: July 01, 2020
Community Supports the Frontline at Avita
BUCYRUS/GALION/ONTARIO – At the end of March, Avita Health System launched an initiative called the COVID-19 Community Response Campaign after community members asked what they could do to help those on the front line. Since the campaign took off, more than 200 companies, individuals, and organizations have committed to this cause. Donations consisted of items such as meals for front line employees to personal protective equipment (PPE).
Many local companies led the charge. The Iron Vault Distillery re-tooled to make more than a thousand bottles of hand sanitizer for the community. Eagle Crusher donated more than 2,000 N95 masks, a crucial necessity as Avita employees faced COVID-19. Little Caesars of Galion donated hundreds of pizzas to feed hospital staff who were pulling long shifts.
Organizers say they are overwhelmed by the generosity. “We continue to have companies and organizations from every county Avita serves donate critical resources and supplies. Community members came forward and donated supplies, gloves, and home-made cloth masks, whatever they could to help us, which was tremendous,” said Tina Martin, Volunteer Manager at Avita Health System.
Below, is a current breakdown of donations received by Avita – THANK YOU!
| KN95 | more than 4,750 |
| N95 | more than 4,400 |
| Gloves & Gowns | more than 3,300 |
| Meals & Water | more than 2,200 |
| Cloth Masks | more than 2,000 |
| Surgical Masks, Ear & Face Shields | more than 1,700 |
| Sanitizer & Wipes | more than 1,100 |
“It’s amazing. I am so fortunate to be part of a great team at Avita and live in such a great community. Our caregivers and employees are real heroes and the community rallied behind them,” added Kim Winkle, Vice President of Corporate Relations & Operational Support. “We can’t thank the community and donors enough for all of their support.”
Avita is still accepting donations of N95 masks, tie surgical masks, masks, face shields, gowns, medical coveralls, exam gloves, surgical gloves and hand sanitizer. Avita will coordinate drop-off and pick-up times for donations. To make arrangements, please send an email to tmartin@avitahs.org or call 419-468-0727. You can also make a tax-deductible contribution to the COVID-19 Response efforts with your credit card online.