Chatham, Madison Women Team Up To Feed The Front Line

CHATHAM, NJ - Chatham resident Liz Bernich saw her hometown was organizing to support their local hospital in the midst of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, crisis and immediately leapt into action to reproduce something similar locally.

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What grew out of this idea is a donation site that has raised over $50,000 and provided dozens of meals to workers out there on the front lines fighting the pandemic.

It all started with a post on Facebook.

Bernich reached out with her idea on the Chatham Community forum to see if anyone would like to band together to support the front line and local restaurants. She soon found an ally in Madison resident Gina McGuire.

"I knew I wanted to help but also not get in the way," McGuire said. "I reached out to her and we decided it was best to have one concerted effort from the two towns. So when Liz was on Day 2 of her efforts, I posted the idea on Madison Area Parents & Community and it just took off from there."

From there, the FLAG (Front Line Appreciation Group) was born.

"I think I a lot of people were looking for a way to help and this provided an outlet for many," McGuire said. "Our total quickly went from $2,000 to $12,000 to $25,000. After it grew so quickly, Liz created the page and Beth Kneebone created a logo for it."

Within a week, the group had fed more than 1,000 people at various medical facilities and made connections with over a dozen local restaurants. They also show no signs of slowing down.

"We are no up to over $50,000 in donations," McGuire said, noting that they are now in the process of obtaining 501(3c) status.

Their success has also spawned more copycat movements across the nation.

"Michigan, Tennessee, Toronto, as well as closer, surrounding areas," McGuire said. "Are going to start FLAG in their communities. Michigan has their FB page up and running with plans to make their 1st delivery this weekend."

Those interested in supporting the movement can visit the group page to set up a donation.

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