Basking Ridge Chinese Community Combats Spread Of Coronavirus

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — The Chinese American Community of Basking Ridge is working hard to help combat the spread of the coronavirus by collecting money and medical supplies for healthcare providers in the local community.

"We have seen the horror story in China. We are ahead of other people and know this thing is serious," said Nick Xu, a member of the Chinese Community. "When people say this is just a big flu, it's not the flu it's more serious. We know the consequence. I know someone who died."

Xu and the Chinese Community wanted to stop the spread in the Basking Ridge area before it became as bad as in China or other countries.

When a neighbor that worked at a local hospital told Xu there was a shortage he knew there was trouble.

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The Basking Ridge Chinese Community tried to find medical supplies online and couldn't find anything. However, Xu and other community members had family in China that could send them supplies directly.

"We have an advantage and have relatives in China that can send us packages. We have this advantage and we want to mobilize more people to try and get more supplies and help," Xu said.

Xu and members are collecting much-needed materials including masks, gloves, hand sanitizers, disinfecting wipes, respirators, masks, gloves, protective suits, goggles, face shields and more. The items are donated to the local government, postal offices, fire station, schools, and hospitals (Morristown Medical Center and Overlook Medical Center).

A GoFundMe page has also been created to enable sustained effort and has already raised more than $24,000 for such purposes. To learn more or donate visit gofundme.com/f/basking-ridge-covid-2019-donation.

"All of us are enormously grateful for the front-line healthcare personnel who are helping the thousands of patients now affected by COVID-19, and we stand in solidarity with all residents of our community in the fight against it," Xu said.

Xu is also working with Basking Ridge Mayor James Baldassare and Lucy Forgione, Director of Bernards Township Health department for helping distribute the Personal Protective Equipment to organizations in needs.

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