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Together We Can Help the Staff at Emanuel Hospital Have a Better Thanksgiving

by 32 Comments

Thanksgiving iStock.comPerhaps we can help nurses working Thanksgiving by getting together and giving them a Thanksgiving meal.

[We have been getting lots of emails from people who want to help. I am working with several people in the industry to put this together. Once they have figured out their costs, we will run a Go Fund Me (or something… I know nothing about these things) to cover them. Stay tuned, and thanks to everyone who are coming forward!]

I received an email from an Emanuel Hospital nurse today that pulled at my heartstrings. We all can imagine what they must be going through and knowing they will be working over the holidays can only add to their stress. A month ago I spent quite a bit of time in the ER and was so impressed by how they were staying calm and still smiling and compassionate amid the chaos. I can’t imagine not reaching out to see if any of my readers can help. Here is her email to me –

I’m a nurse and I work in the ECMO ICU at Emanuel hospital caring for COVID patients. I’m working the day of thanksgiving and normally on thanksgiving the unit and all my coworkers do a big potluck. It’s the one thing that makes it less painful to have to work and be away from family & friends. The hospital just mandated no potlucks, shared food, and no eating together. I am messaging to see if you know if there are any restaurants that you think would consider feeding us on thanksgiving. If we got meals they would have to be individual servings packaged not buffet style. I know that’s a lot to ask but I thought I’d throw it out there! Thanks a million in advance!

I know this is an awful time for restaurants. This is a huge ask, and I would pay for it myself, but Covid has hit my finances very hard. But together we can make a difference. They will have about 50 people with doctors, nurses, and therapists. Maybe some of you who won’t be traveling this year can chip in some of that money.  If you can help make their Thanksgiving better, or if you know someone in a position to do so, reach out to me and I will connect you with them.

Reader Interactions

Comments

      • Inna says

        Yes, please send out an update when you have more info. Would also love to contribute. If you get enough interest, would be so wonderful to support more healthcare workers at other hospitals, if that’s possible.

  7. SteveB says

    I’m in too.

    My brother is an MD, not on the front line of covid but a family practice doc, and I can’t help but think how tough and thankless it is for the front line providers, working long, long hours, listening to idiots saying that it is a hoax, not as bad as the media says, or their rights are being violated by asking them to wear a mask, to socially distance, and to not go to their bar or gym. These providers are risking their lives and deserve special gratitude and appreciation.

    Reply

    • PDX Food Dude says

      I’m still working on putting this together – we have a short deadline and lots to work out, but the response has been terrific! One restaurant is now on board. I’ll be updating everyone at the end of today.

      Reply

  12. Maria says

    I’m in! My brother works in the pharmacy there… Of course there are heaps of employees besides nurses that must work that day and are essential to patient care, but aren’t as visible to the public. Sanitation employees, etc! Don’t know what the capability is to serve others?

    Reply

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