While traditional volunteer opportunities have been canceled, in times of crisis, we all want to help. Sun City Residents have responded by running errands for neighbors, making masks, and providing meals for the busy staff at Northwestern Hospital in Huntley.
Sandy White had an idea.
“It all started when a friend of mine mentioned that the ICU unit at Elmhurst was getting meals delivered from the community. I wondered if the Northwestern Hospital staff was getting any meals. I contacted Dawn at the hospital and got it rolling. We put an email out asking for donations. I thought we might be able to put together a couple of lunches, but we provided almost four-hundred meals,” she said.
Carol Bletz, Neighborhood 32B Rep Chairperson said, “I contacted Fred Joob, Neighborhood 32A Rep Chairperson, who in turn sent an email out to all in his neighborhood. The response was overwhelming! The local restaurants worked with us to keep the pricing in line with our budget and provide a great variety of delicious food. Special thanks to Pub47, Parkside Pub, Culvers, Rookies, Brunch Café, and Jameson’s Huntley. There is good in the world even in these tough times.”
Though hidden behind masks, the meal donations were accepted with warm smiles. (Photo provided)
“We were so pleased with the donations from the two neighborhoods which totaled close to $2000.” Joob stated.
The group wanted to provide meals through June but fell short, so Bletz and White donated the additional funds. White added, “The big surprise is that Richard Meyers at Culver’s made it a BOGO and offered to provide dinner to the nurses on [May] 28th for free!”
What did the hospital have to say?
Dawn Roznowski, Director External & Community Affairs, said, “We got the offer and I got things moving.”
John Bajor, manager of engagement at Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital said, “Beyond tantalizing their taste buds with delicious food from many local community businesses, while simultaneously filling their bellies, the meals have filled their hearts with joy and an overwhelming feeling of appreciation from those within their local community for whom they come to work each and every day to serve.”
Melissa Alice, engagement coach at Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital, agrees.
“The meals have definitely ‘filled up the cup’ for all of our staff members as they feel loved, supported, and cared for by the community we serve. The wellness of our team is extremely vital during this time so to be able to care for them with the help of our community is remarkable,” she said.
Joob said it all: “It works when everyone gets onboard.”
