OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Oshkosh Area United Way is asking the community for help with supplies during the coronavirus pandemic.
“I don’t mind getting a little ink on my hands, if it stops people from getting sick!” Pravin Mansukhani of Neenah said.
Mansukhani owns a local ink company, with more than enough supplies to spare. And exactly the kind the United Way is looking for.
“Ink isn’t nearly as important as, you know, hospital workers. We have a lot of personal protective equipment there and, well, we don’t really need it all that desperately.”
But people like firefighters and police officers do.
Maryann Dilling, president & CEO of the Oshkosh Area United Way says we need the protective gear as much they do.
Kate Man of Oshkosh Police tells FOX 11 officers know firsthand.
“Whenever we go on a call, we’d always wear, you know, gloves, or whatever is appropriate for the call that we’re going on, but now with the COVID-19, it’s extra important.”
To help meet some of those needs, the United Way setup a drive-thru station at the Oshkosh Convention Center Tuesday.
People dropped off disposable gowns and shoe covers, goggles and face shields, and other medical supplies.
At a time where many people are stockpiling and hoarding, supplies like bleach, masks and hand sanitizer may be more needed now, than ever before.
All of the community donations collected are going directly to Oshkosh health care providers, law enforcement, paramedics and first responders.
“It just seems like the obvious thing to do, because they need it more than I do!” Mansukhani said.
Mann emphasized keeping first responders healthy is of the department’s upmost importance.
“It’s very important that we keep our all of our first responders, and our health workers healthy, so we can keep responding to the various calls to keep people safe.”
For those who couldn’t make it to the Community Cares Drive, organizers say you can still donate to the Oshkosh COVID-19 Relief Fund online.
