Since the onset of COVID-19, the teams at Baystate Health have had to adapt, develop new procedures, take on different responsibilities, and serve in a variety of capacities that are crucial to supporting efforts to fight the pandemic.
As these important roles began to take shape, many wanted to know how they could help. With monetary gifts and donations of personal protective equipment supporting these efforts, individuals and organizations chose to directly support our frontline healthcare team members by providing meal donations.
Contributions soon came from restaurants across western Massachusetts and benefited Baystate Health team members in a variety of units and at numerous locations. Lyman and Leslie Wood made a generous donation of meals from Nadim’s Restaurant to feed Environmental Services members.
“It takes a village to raise a child…it takes a hospital to treat, cure and save lives. This was our chance to show our love and support to workers at Baystate who we don’t see,” shared Leslie. “Their work is hard and not as openly rewarding, but just as necessary and important. Thanks to Nadim’s Restaurant, which matched all donations with food to provide even extra relief for hospitals and first responders. We wanted to show our support for those who worked tirelessly and deserved a lot of thanks! Our village with Baystate is strong!”
Other local organizations, including the Springfield Thunderbirds, also made meal donations as a way to say thank you.
“The relationship we have with Baystate Health and Baystate Health Foundation goes beyond a normal working relationship that typically exists between professional organizations – many have become close friends and/or people we consider a part of our extended family,” shared Springfield Thunderbirds President Nathan Costa. “Every step of the way, individuals at the facility are putting themselves before others, and we wanted to express our thanks for being the heartbeat of our community.”
While food donations can no longer be accepted due to current restrictions, more than 10,000 meals were donated, providing many Baystate Health team members with something to enjoy during their high-intensity work and reminding them how much they are appreciated by the community.
Learn how you can support Baystate Health teams during COVID-19 through Baystate Health Foundation.