Town Kicks Off Urgent Supply Drive: 'We Need Your Help'

NORTH FORK, NY — Faced with the escalating uptick in confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in Southold Town — that number stood at 107 as of late Tuesday — and nationwide, Town Supervisor Scott Russell has kicked off a collection drive to meet the drastic shortage in personal protective equipment.

"We need these critical supplies to ensure the safety of our first responders, police officers and other healthcare professionals who are on the front line of protecting our health, welfare and safety," Russell said.

Southold Town officials have asked that any business in personal services such as nail salons, tattoo parlors, and beauty salons, or anyone that might have the supplies, donate equipment to fill the vital need.

Masks, gloves, gowns and other personal protective equipment are in short supply, and Russell launched the drive to help secure N-95 masks, ear lobe face masks, gowns and gloves.

“We need to do all we can and give all we can give to help protect those who are on the front line of this battle and we need to remember to take all steps necessary to protect ourselves, our family and our community," Russell said.

Those who wish to donate can contact Russell's office at 631-765-1889 or the Southold Town Police Department at 631-765-2600 to arrange for pick up or drop off.

“We remain committed to serving our community during this national health crisis and are taking all precautions necessary to keep both our staff healthy and support the efforts of all of our health care professionals," Southold Town Police Chief Martin Flatley said. “We urge all residents to cooperate with social distancing standards to prevent the spread of this virus.”

Peconic Landing donations

Peconic Landing, the Greenport retirement community hit hard by coronavirus, said the facility has received many "generous offers of community support through well-wishes and hard to find donations of personal protective equipment as we work to keep our members and team safe."

Peconic Landing thanked those who have helped to secure supplies so far, including Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook ELIH, PBMC Northwell Health, San Simeon by the Sound, East End Group of Yaphank, the Oysterponds School District, the Halyard, and Flavor Fields.

Howver, supplies are still needed: Peconic Landing continues to accept donations of PPE, including face masks, gowns, non-latex gloves, disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, and other related supplies.

Those who want to donate should contact Diane Radigan, director of member services, at dradigan@peconiclanding.org.

“We are grateful for the outpouring of support shown by our local community and beyond,” said Robert J. Syron, President and CEO. “Together, we will get through this difficult time.”