Whatcom’s coronavirus-inspired acts of kindness — from gloves to T-shirt sales
With so much bad news about the outbreak of COVID-10, the new coronavirus, we’re gathering up all the acts of kindness in Whatcom County that bring optimism in these difficult times.
“Bellingham Shell station thanks hospital staff for coronavirus efforts with free gas” and “Bellingham couple generously pays it forward to help coronavirus-impacted hotel staff” are two examples of Whatcom County residents and businesses helping each other out.
Many are sewing masks and donating masks, gloves and other gear needed to keep medical professionals safe. Here are the new donation drop-off site and hours.
Grizzly donates gloves, masks
Grizzly Industrial in Bellingham has donated its stock of nitrile gloves and N95 masks to hospitals in Bellingham and Springfield, Missouri, to help healthcare workers fight the new coronavirus, according to a company press release, Friday, March 27.
“Our supply should help thousands of care providers stay safe. Grizzly is in a unique position to help fight this battle. Much of the protective gear we sell to the woodworking and metalworking industries can also be used in a health care setting to fight the spread of disease. Beyond keeping our essential business up and running to support our customers and the economy, Grizzly is committed to helping our local communities in Bellingham and Springfield in the actual fight against the spread of COVID-19,” the release said.
T-shirts support local businesses
Brist Mfg, a creative agency and custom apparel manufacturer in Bellingham, has created a “We got this America” T-shirt campaign to provide financial relief to independent businesses.
Brendan Pape’s collection of city and state shirts is sold online at wegotthisamerica.com. He said in a press release that any independent business can participate and will get $10 back for every shirt sold through its affiliate link.
Bellingham businesses that have signed up include Baby Greens, Lab Athletics, Mojo Music, Chuckanut Brewery, AB Crepes, Overflow Taps, Outlaws Saloon, Horseshoe Cafe and Haven Beauty.
Helping feed children
The Bellingham Public Schools Foundation and Bellingham Schools Volunteer Program have emailed supporters with how to best support students and their families:
▪ ”Make an online donation to the Bellingham Public School Foundation to support the district’s effort to feed children – we know that the entire cost of this program will not be covered. Donations also provide YES Cards for families in need. Gifts of all sizes are appreciated and matter more now than ever.”
▪ ”Make a donation of basic household supplies to the Family Resource Center team. The items the FRC is accepting right now are: toilet paper, toothpaste and toothbrushes’; shampoo/conditioner, diapers (size 5 and 6); baby wipes; bar soap; laundry detergent; dish detergent; disinfectant wipes.”
The resource center is located in a brown portable on the northwest side of the Shuksan Middle School parking lot, 2717 Alderwood Ave. Donations are accepted 10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m. weekdays. E-mail jennifer.gaer@bellinghamschools.org with questions regarding donations.
Mask donations
Mt. Baker Care Center in Bellingham received 35 masks from the Mount Vernon-based non-profit Days for Girls’ “Masks 4 Millions” Campaign, according to a news release from Nightingale Healthcare, which owns the care center and several others in the northwest. ... Healthcare Certifications owner Jeff Sluys and Becky Eastwood of National Safety were discussing the need for masks and gloves at clinics in Whatcom County, according to an email from Healthcare Certifications. “National Safety immediately stepped up and donated 600 masks. Healthcare Certifications then purchased 10,000 gloves. Donations have been split between Family Care Network, Miracle Food Network and Whatcom Unified Command.”
Where to donate supplies
Donations of supplies, such as masks and gloves, and homemade gowns or hand-sewn masks will be accepted from 4-6 p.m. daily through Sunday, March 29, at 4233 Guide Meridian, Suite 101, just west of the intersection of Guide Meridian and Kellogg Road.
Place items for donation in the trunk or rear hatch area of your car. Don’t get out — someone will remove the items.
Contact WUC_Donations@co.whatcom.wa.us with questions.
Have you seen other coronavirus-inspired acts of kindness? Please email details to newsroom@bellinghamherald.com and we’ll continue to update this list.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
COVID-19, the new coronavirus, is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2.
The disease is spread through contact between people within six feet of each other, especially through coughing and sneezing that expels respiratory droplets that land in the mouths or noses of people nearby.
Although most of the cases have been mild, the disease is especially dangerous for the elderly and others with weaker immune systems.
Click the drop-down icon in the upper right of this card for more information on symptoms and how to stop its spread.
What you can do
Here’s what you can do to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, according to the Whatcom County Health Department.
▪ Keep six feet between yourself and others when in public.
▪ Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
▪ Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth with hands that haven’t been washed.
▪ Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw the tissue in the trash and then wash your hands.
▪ Stay home if you feel sick. Avoid others who are sick.
▪ If your symptoms are severe and require medical care, call your doctor first.
This story was originally published March 27, 2020 at 1:15 PM.
