The campaign was approved at the township's April 2 board of directors meeting to support Montgomery County first responders and medical personnel who are treating coronavirus patients. Supplies are accepted biweekly in The Woodlands and are sent to the county's emergency operations warehouse in Conroe for distribution.
Sekula-Gibbs said nearly 4,000 gloves, 1,000 masks and dozens of face shields were donated during the week of April 6. She said sanitization products including disinfectant wipes, sanitizing sprays and alcohol were also donated, along with other medical protective gear such as isolation gowns and goggles.
“We’ve been very gratified to see a large number of donors come by and drop off PPE, and it has been a valuable experience for me to see so many talented and charitable people come by," Sekula-Gibbs said during the township board of directors' April 9 videoconference.
Sekula-Gibbs said the campaign has also received support from local hospitals and government officials since it began last week. The Help Our Heroes drive remains open for donations Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Woodlands Central Fire Station, located at 9951 Grogans Mill Road.
“It’s a good program. FEMA is able to bring in large quantities of materials, but it may take a little while. We’re hoping to fill in a gap and have smaller quantities but be able to respond on a more quick basis," Sekula-Gibbs said. "I think that the residents and the people in The Woodlands have really responded, so we’re grateful to that.”
According to the township, Help Our Heroes is accepting donations of equipment including gloves, masks, face shields, eyewear, hair covers, isolation gowns, PAPR hoods, boot and shoes covers, germicidal wipes, disinfectant spray and paper towels. For more information, email fire Chief Palmer Buck at [email protected].
After providing an update on the Help Our Heroes campaign's launch, Sekula-Gibbs also noted the need for continued blood donations in the area. Individuals wishing to donate blood this month may set up an appointment at The Woodlands Neighborhood Donor Center at 3091 College Park Drive, Ste. 130, The Woodlands. A donation event will also be held April 23 at Entergy's Parkwood office, located at 10055 Grogan's Mill Road, The Woodlands. Sekula-Gibbs said more information about local blood donation opportunities may be found at www.giveblood.org.
