The actions and gestures from our community in support of the Mather family during this pandemic have been exceptional. We have received numerous generous donations of food, contributions to Mather’s COVID-19 Emergency Fund, messages of gratitude and support on social media and through letters and drawings.
The Port Jefferson Business Improvement District (BID) has committed $10,000 to purchase meals from local restaurants, not only feeding the staff at both Mather and St. Charles Hospitals but also supporting local restaurants struggling through the pandemic. In addition, the online news site Greater Long Island has teamed up with the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce to set up a Go Fund Me page (link below) with a goal of raising $16,000 to also pay for meals from local restaurants to feed the staff at both hospitals.
Joseph Aliano, director of Food and Nutritional Services at Mather, and Joseph Meyer, assistant director, have been coordinating the preparation and delivery of food to patient units and departments.
“The Mather community has been extraordinarily generous in its support for our staff,” he said, noting that food donations often include messages of support for Mather staff. “I can’t begin to tell you how much those meals are appreciated by the frontline staff after working long shifts under very demanding conditions.
“This is a great example of getting through this crisis together.”