Montclair Drifters Make Coronavirus Donation To Newark Hospital

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Montclair Drifters. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site.

On April 24, 2020, the service-driven women of Montclair Drifters, Inc. delivered over 200 care packages as a gesture of their appreciation to frontline healthcare workers at University Hospital in Newark, NJ. “This is our way of saying “thank you” to the staff who risk their lives every day to care for so many individuals being affected by the COVID-19 crisis,” said, President, Jamelle R. Straker. These items will be distributed to hospital staff to include those working in the ICU and COVID tents.

Newark has been identified as a Coronavirus hot spot, and many residents and healthcare professionals are being severely impacted. “We are doing our civic duty and are proud to be of service to the true heroes in this pandemic”, said Monique Jenkins, VP & Program Chairperson.

Gift Bags were personalized with a simple message of gratitude and included the following:

1. Hydration (small bottle of water)
2. Nutrition (granola bar, cereal bar, or trail mix)
3. Snack (bag of chips or popcorn)
4. Desert (variety of cookies)
5. Breath Fresh (mints/gum)

“We are sincerely grateful to the Montclair Drifters for their donation and acknowledgment of the work we are doing here at University Hospital,” said Brooke Tippens, Executive Director of Community Affairs. “This is a special treat and is unique to anything we have received to honor our tireless staff members throughout this COVID-19 coronavirus response effort”. University Hospital is a community-based hospital with limited resources and all contributions received benefits the hospital staff directly. The African American community has been significantly affected by the Coronavirus which has been associated with the economic disparity and lack of access to resources. This hospital practices community medicine and is a place for all to access care.

The Montclair Drifters consist of twenty active African American professional women, who stand on the shoulders of their esteemed alumnae. In conjunction with providing scholarships to college bound high school seniors each year, the organization conducts several community programs and distributes small grants to a number of local community organizations.

Founded in 1964, Montclair Drifters are a group of dynamic women with civic, charitable, and educational interests who dedicate their talents to the enhancements of their chosen communities and the universal image of womanhood. To fund local programs and activities, Drifters have conducted an annual charity event on the first Sunday of March for over 56 years.

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