TOLEDO, Ohio — St. John's Jesuit High School and Academy kicked off a community-wide collection effort of personal protective equipment and other necessary goods on Monday.
"This is what we're about. We're about being men for others, that's our motto," Director of Pastoral Ministries and Outreach at St. John's, Phil Skeldon said.
Recently, school leaders were asked to help collect products by Lucas County Medical Operations, ProMedica, and an alumni, Dr. Richard Paat, who will be opening free health clinics within Toledo.
Items will be collected outside the school and following proper social distancing. Those interested in donating are asked to enter the school's parking lot from Holland-Sylvania Rd.
"What were hoping is if I'm an individual at home and I say 'I have one thing of wipes that I can give, but who do I give it to?' Well, this is an option to bring that in and hopefully over this week those supplies will build up and we'll be able to give a substantial amount to those three agencies," Skeldon said.
Other items being collected include daily use products like soap, toothpaste and cleaning wipes. People can drop supplies off at labeled bins along the sidewalk or give to a volunteer if they don't want to leave their car.
Megan Bruss is a community member who donated diapers. She said as a mother of three, she felt like it's an item that's not always thought about but many people need.
"It's just so hard when you can't rely on those things you're used to and now that's gone away. I hope that people can get a lot of those basic needs still met," Bruss said.
Skeldon said that no donation is too large or small, all of it goes toward helping our community. The full list of requested items are available here.
Drop-off days are available until Thursday at the following dates and times:
- April 7: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- April 8: Noon - 4 p.m.
- April 9: Noon - 4 p.m.
Facts not fear: Putting COVID-19 into context
WTOL 11’s coverage of the coronavirus is rooted in Facts, not Fear. Visit /coronavirus-covid-19 for comprehensive coverage, find out what you need to know about northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan specifically, learn more about the symptoms and keep tabs on the cases around the world here. Have a question? Text it to us at 419-248-1100.
Protect yourself from coronavirus
- Cover: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Dispose: Throw used tissues in a lined can.
- Wash hands: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
- Hand sanitizer: If soap and water are not readily available, use and alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.