Greenwich Residents Order Pizzas For Hospital's Emergency Staff

GREENWICH, CT — As hospitals across the state deal with the challenges and demands that have risen as a result of the new coronavirus, a small group of Riverside residents decided to spread a little bit of kindness to their local healthcare professionals. On Tuesday, Cody Kaye and some of her friends ordered five pies from Greenwich Pizzeria and had them delivered to Greenwich Hospital's emergency department.

According to a statement from the hospital, the surprise treat was met with "delight and surprise" from the department's doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals working around the clock to care for patients as a result of the novel virus, also referred to as COVID-19.

"We were looking for a way to support our local establishments and have the food delivered to people who we thought could use a break and a slice of pizza," Kaye said in a statement.

Like many parents, Kaye has been home with her children while Greenwich's public and private schools remain closed in response to the virus.

"Greenwich Hospital is our local hospital," Kaye said. "We've all been there – whether to have a baby or bring a kid with a broken arm to the emergency department. It's our way of saying thanks to people we can't see in person."

The department's nurse manager, Shelby Smith, said staff was moved by the "unexpected and welcomed" kindness.

"Our staff takes pride in caring for patients and families," Smith said in a statement. "To have the community reciprocate in this manner was amazing."

Christopher Davison, the department's medical director, also expressed gratitude for the gesture.

"We cannot express how appreciative and grateful we are," Davison said in a statement. "We are working hard to care for patients in our community and these acts of kindness make a tremendous difference."

As word of the pizza delivery spread, Kaye shared the news in an email to parents in her daughter's third-grade class at Riverside School, after which the group received donations ranging from $20 to $300, according to Kaye.

The group had also planned to deliver sandwiches from Aux Delice to the hospital's nurses working in the medicine unit this week.

"We'll keep ordering and delivering food as long as we have donations," Kaye said. "It's the least we can do."