Neighbors helping neighbors through coronavirus outbreak

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – Whether it’s providing something small, like a face mask to a vulnerable senior citizen, or something bigger, like funding for hospital supplies, the good deeds on Staten Island these days continue to prove that not all coronavirus news is bad news.

Amid the frighting medical emergency, kindness prevails, and Staten Islanders continue to support their neighbors, first responders and the medical professionals working tirelessly to treat those inflicted with the frightening virus.

One nail salon owner is sharing her dwindling supply of face masks with senior citizens, who are deemed most vulnerable to the coronavirus (COVID-19) if they become infected. High schoolers are delivering supplies from the school labs to emergency rooms, and a host of businesses and residents are teaming up to provide meals to hospital staffers on the front lines of the battle.

“There are not enough words to express the gratitude we have for the continuous donations of food, supplies and messages of encouragement from the community,” said Dr. Daniel J. Messina, president and chief executive officer at Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC). “We are re-energized every shift, day and night, when the latest show of support from total strangers arrives at our hospital. We will never get to thank each and every person, but we want them all to please know they are forever in our hearts.”

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Here’s a look at some of the recent good-will efforts.

Gloves and goggles

To help RUMC treat patents during the COVID-19 outbreak, Port Richmond High School has donated 600 pairs of gloves and 36 pairs of goggles for use by the medical staff, nurses and ancillary staff.

“The hospital would like to express its deepest gratitude to the Port Richmond High School community for helping the hospital and our patients,’’ RUMC said in a statement. “Go Raiders!”

Staten Islanders step up — Medical staff at Richmond University Medical Center receives meals from Panino Rustico and Qdoba donated by Tom Delmarzo and the Pellegrito family.(Courtesy of Richmond University Medical Center)

Meals for medical staff

Individuals, restaurant owners and other Staten Island businesses continue to show support to medical staff and local restaurants by ordering meals for the doctors, nurses and technicians working round-the-clock to treat coronavirus patients.

Tom Delmarzo and the Pellegrito family recently donated meals to RUMC from Panino Rustico and Qdoba. Others who have made donations to the hospital include: Alfonso’s Pastry Shoppe; Anna Porto; Annmarie & Joe Ricciardi; the Chinese-American Community; Cord Blood Registry; Cucina Fresca; the Cupo Family; Delco Pharmacy; Dr. Perry Drucker; Dr. Victor Avis; Dunkin’ of Forest Avenue; East End Group; Ho’Brah Taco Joint; Hu Limei in Shanghai, China; Investor’s Bank; Joan Mckeever-Thomas; Joseph Drennan Movers; Kathy Giovinazzo; Louis Gregorio; Mancini Giuffre; Mark’s Bakery; Mr. Garber; Nick Szymanski; Notre Dame Academy High School; Ounce Water; Pier 76; Pizza Mia; the Presto Family; Pronto Pizza; Relief Crafters of America; Renato’s Pastry Shoppe; Rosemarie Stazzone; Staten Island Care Center; Staten Island Hatzalah; The Angiuli Group; The Kettle Black; Tom Delmarzo; Wendy’s.

Anyone who would like to donate lunch should use this link: www.rumcsi.org/support

Masks for seniors, gloves for first responders

LeeLee Wong, owner of LeeLee Nails in Dongan Hills, uses latex-free gloves and surgical masks in her salon, so she donated the gloves she had on hand to SIUH in Prince’s Bay and the 120th Precinct in St. George.

She doesn’t have many masks, but she’s been sharing them with senior citizens -- to help protect them from the virus if they have to go out for essentials.

Wong said she’s saving the masks for senior citizens only. “They have no immune system,’’ she said. “And they call me, asking for the masks. I am happy to help the seniors.’’

Wong is awaiting an order she placed for more gloves, she said. Those, she plans to deliver to RUMC and police precincts. Clients who are nurses and police officers have been letting her know where the needs are, she said.

“I’m so happy everyone is helping me do this,’’ Wong said.

Underlying issues are present in the vast majority of coronavirus deaths in NYC, says city Health Dept.

Free meals for hospital staff

'As we fight each day to get them the supplies they need, the least we can do is get them some food to eat ...'

Funds for masks

And Staten Island’s elected officials have jumped in, too, using funds from the district attorney’s NYS Asset Forfeiture Fund to supply 5,000 N95 masks to medical workers at Richmond University Medical Center and Staten Island University Hospital.

“As elected officials during the time of COVID-19, our shared and primary focus is ensuring those on the front lines of this fight are equipped with the equipment and support necessary to continue their inspiring, life-saving work,’’ said a group statement from Borough President Oddo, Rep. Max Rose (D-Staten Island, Brooklyn), District Attorney Michael E. McMahon, Sen. Diane Savino, Sen. Andrew Lanza, Assemblyman Michael Cusick, Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis, Assemblyman Mike Reilly, Assemblyman Charles Fall, Councilman Steven Matteo, Councilman Joe Borelli and Councilwoman Debi Rose.

“We are proud to supply 5,000 N95 masks to Richmond University Medical Center and Staten Island University Hospital, to be given directly to the heroes working around the clock to treat our family members, loved ones, and neighbors suffering from this terrible illness,” the statement said.

The masks were purchased with funds from the district attorney’s office NYS Asset Forfeiture Fund.

Additionally, Lanza and Cusick delivered face masks and N95 masks to several of the Island’s medical facilities.

Staten Island Care Center

Staffers at the Staten Island Care Center recently delivered food and donuts to healthcare workers to show their support and appreciation.

Meals for seniors

Volunteers at the Joan and Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island have distributed more than 5,000 meals to seniors in need across Staten Island.

Following the closure of JCC facilities to the public, staff members have been distributing frozen and shelf-stable kosher meals at the Bernikow Building, as well as delivering meals to home-bound seniors. Meals were also distributed to the residents of Seaview Senior Housing, where the JCC operates the Social Services Office.

Staff members have also reached out to 300 seniors a day by phone, including those who attend the JCC’s three senior centers and individuals enrolled in the JCC’s Family Solutions to Memory Loss Programs. In addition to food, staff members are providing resources and supplies to those isolated in their homes.

“With each and every passing day, we will continue to listen, adapt, and deliver to those hit hardest by this crisis. Please know that if you have a need, we are here for you,” said David Sorkin, the JCC’s chief executive officer. “No matter where we were located, our mission has never changed—to provide services to those in need across Staten Island."

Good Counsel Girl Scouts — The kindergarten and second-grade Girl Scout troops from Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church turned the cancellation of cookie sales into an opportunity to give back to the local Staten Island community. (Courtesy of Diana Gatto)

Giving back

At Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church (OLGC), kindergarten and second-grade Girl Scouts turned the cancellation of cookie sales into an opportunity to make life a little sweeter for some of the men and women on the front lines of this pandemic.

With more than 250 boxes remaining because of cookie booths being cancelled, they reached out to friends and family on Facebook and Instagram to sponsor a box of cookies to be donated to first responders in the area. Within just a few hours, hundreds of dollars poured in and every box has now been sponsored.

Girl Scouts depend on the cookie program to help fund programs and experiences. The two troops raised a total of $3,335.

Members of the Our Lady of Good Counsel Home School Association have also joined in the spirit of giving, by delivering baskets to 30 school parents who are healthcare workers. The baskets contained beer from Flagship Brewery, a gift certificate for Beans and Leaves, and a gift card for one of three restaurants, Kettle Black, Jimmy Max or The Manor House. Each of these businesses is owned by an OLGC parishioner.

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