Last Wednesday, we shared stories from public employees about how they are serving their communities during the coronavirus pandemic.
Today, we’re going to share a few news stories of other active or retired public employees who are helping their communities at this time.
In Bowling Green, KY, Stephen Stephano, a former police officer, started a free grocery delivery service for any area resident over the age of 60.
In Schertz, Texas, the Schertz Professional Firefighters Association gave away $1,000 in H-E-B grocery store gift cards to shoppers waiting in line outside of an H-E-B supermarket. The association also donated $500 each to two locally-owned supermarkets in the area.
In Osage, Iowa, Industrial Arts educator Brent Jennings has made roughly 75 – 80 face shields at home for health care workers in the Mitchell County Health Department. Jennings makes the masks using a combination of materials that includes a “clear overhead projector sheet, double-stick tape, a piece of foam, a little bit of Coban wrap (a self-adherent medical wrap), and some scissors.”
In Laconia, New Hampshire, the town’s fire department responds to suspected cases of the coronavirus because many of its firefighters double as certified EMTs or paramedics. These first responders play a critical role in getting patients to local hospitals and in providing emergency medical care.
In Binghamton, NY, two educators launched the “Hospital Heroes” program, which is a partnership with local restaurants to deliver food for health care workers who are treating patients at area hospitals.
In Columbia, MD, educator Strauss Chavarria organized “a daily donation drive at five locations for Howard County residents in need,” where residents can pick up essential items like groceries and toiletries for free.
All of us at NPPC couldn’t be more grateful for all that active and retired public employees do for us and our communities. Be sure to follow NPPC on Twitter and Facebook to see more of these incredible stories.