Naperville Woman Uses Facebook To Give Back Amid Coronavirus

NAPERVILLE, IL — Brooke Overgard grew up in and still lives in Naperville, so it's no surprise that when the new coronavirus crisis hit, she wanted to help out the community she loves. Overgard, who told Patch she has worked with several non-profits turned to Facebook to see how she could help during this time of need.

Overgard said, "When the pandemic started, like many others, I found myself with more spare time on my hands than I knew what to do with and was feeling a bit lost. I decided to post a video on my Facebook page sharing I wanted to help our local community and the response has been truly amazing."

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Overgard told Patch she has used Facebook to help local nursing homes by sharing a request for "activities for seniors when they’re cooped up." She said "people supplied all sorts of fun ideas that the nursing home is now incorporating." She said the nursing home even hosted a senior prom for residents.

She told Patch she also got a request and signed up to call in to check on seniors by phone from a local YMCA.

In addition to her work with seniors, Overgard organized mask-making for nurses who need personal protective equipment and got the masks to the nurses. She also shared information about a Rotary food drive, she told Patch.

Overgard told Patch, "I truly feel my purpose is helping others."

She added, "I’m hopeful that by sharing what I’m doing to help others on Facebook, it encourages others to pitch in and do the same. I keep saying 'better together' and I truly mean it!"

More coverage:

• Pritzker Gathering Data Before Extending Stay-At-Home Order
• Caffe Di Moda, Lisle Trustee Donate Coffee To Hospital Workers
• Naperville Nursing Home Has 34 Confirmed Coronavirus Cases: IDPH
• 'Don't Lose Hope:' A Day In The Life of Coronavirus Nurse