With COVID-19 rates once again spiking, we see the reemergence of generosity from various philanthropic organizations. Last Monday, North Carolina Asian American leaders partnered with
“Swain for Congress” to donate over six hundred face shields and goggles to the Greensboro Cone Health Regional Hospital. The medical supplies were procured from over twenty different Asian American organizations and groups throughout the area.

Besides helping procure the six hundred shields and goggles donated to Cone Health, many of the organizations involved in the donations are helping to fight Coronavirus in other ways. Chris Yang, president of the Greensboro Chinese Association, described other ways in which the Asian American community was contributing: “We noticed that a lot of medical volunteers didn’t have things that cover their hair, so we made thousands of caps for them.” Outside of medical donations, Yang’s organization was also able to collect and donate ten thousand dollars to the Greensboro Food Bank. 

Meanwhile, Debesh Sarkar, founder of the AUM Foundation, stated that he and “Swain for Congress” have partnered together to distribute face shields and masks to hospitals in South Carolina, North Carolina, Texas, and Maryland. Sarkar’s efforts have even gone international! According to Sarkar, “We’ve helped arrange twelve thousand face shields to be sent to Bogota, India.” Sarkar, as well as Yang, are inspiring figures in our communities and they want to encourage the public to continue to help them combat COVID-19.

Dr. Na Li, one of the physicians at Nova Health, laudes these volunteer efforts. She explains that so many front-line healthcare workers need continued community support so they can continue to do their jobs. As for how civilians can help, Dr. Na Li explains, “There are a lot of organizations where people can purchase and donate equipment and money.” Her hospital has received various donations such as buttons, brand-new sheets, and unused clothes. Of course, any help is appreciated because healthcare workers will continue to need equipment as the pandemic continues. 

Michelle Schneider, Chief Philanthropy Officer at Cone Health, received the medical supplies donated by the numerous organizations with open arms. As Chief Philanthropy Officer, her job is focused on receiving and vetting the medical supplies donated by the public to Cone Health. “We don’t automatically accept donations. We need to make sure [donations] are safe and meet certain standards,” said Schneider. That being said, Schneider and her team will always welcome donations. In fact, Cone Health saw an unexpected need for supplies during COVID-19. “Our need for PPE grew very quickly. We went from using a thousand masks a day to using seven to ten thousand masks a day almost overnight!” Luckily for Schneider and Cone Health, the public generously stepped in and contributed their time, money, and donations. “We didn’t even need to ask the people, they came to us first and offered their help” claimed Schneider. 

With COVID-19 still a serious issue, health-care workers are working extended hours to keep the public as safe as possible. They’re the unsung heroes of our time and so we are urging everyone to help out as much as possible so they can continue to do their jobs.