SXU Responds To Coronavirus With Glove, Mask, Meal Donations

MOUNT GREENWOOD – Saint Xavier University is stepping up to help out during the new coronavirus pandemic to support the needs of the local community.

The School of Nursing and Health Services donated 200 isolation gowns, 500 gloves and more than 600 faces masks to Advocate Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn. In addition, members of the nursing department also donated paper products, blankets and cleaning supplies to Big Run Wolf Ranch in Lockport, a non-profit educational facility that specializes in education and conservation of North American wildlife.

Saint Xavier University's information technology, art and design and records and registration worked together to lend 10 iPads to residents of Chicago's Mercy Circle, an assisted living and retirement community to help them connect to their families through FaceTime, since their families are unable to visit them due to the stay-at-home order.

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"The SXU community continues to showcase its ability to live our Mercy mission to the fullest, regardless of the challenge at hand," said President Laurie M. Joyner in a prepared statement. "Like the Sisters of Mercy before us, our team displays compassion in action and will always lend a helping hand to drive meaningful change in our world."

The university's dining service also delivered free meals to seniors who are staying at home in order to avoid infection. Thanks to the fundraising efforts of the community, Country House Restaurant and Kitchen Company is able to feed more than 1,000 seniors per day. The company has also delivered free meals to the staff at Advocate Christ Hospital.

To donate personal protective equipment (PPE), email PPE.donations@illinois.gov. For health questions about COVID-19, call the state coronavirus hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.