Niles Fire Department Collecting Equipment For Local Hospitals

From the Village of Niles:

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, local hospitals are struggling with a critical shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE). This equipment allows medical professionals to safely treat individuals suspected or diagnosed with COVID-19.

A large food manufacturing plant in Niles, called Rich Products, recently reached out and offered to donate their stockpile of N95 masks to the Niles Fire Department. The Village of Niles fortunately has sufficient masks for the safety of first responders during the COVID- 19 pandemic, and was not in need of these extra masks. After discussion, the decision was made to donate these supplies to Lutheran General Hospital.

To encourage further donations, the Niles Fire Department has designated its station #2 as a collection point for any local residents or businesses in Niles that are able to donate their PPE, and the Niles Fire Department will in turn deliver these donations to local hospitals to use in any way they can. The hospital is in desperate need of more supplies, and the Village takes pride in any way it can help foster connection and mutual support in the community during this challenging time. The Niles Fire Department hopes this initiative will create an easy method for the community to contribute to the critical services of local medical professionals and facilities.

Specifically, hospitals are in desperate need of N95 and surgical masks, medical gowns, hand sanitizer and gloves. Donations can be dropped off at Niles Fire Station #2, 8360 Dempster St. (Dempster & Cumberland) between 8:30am-4:00pm. Use the north Administration Entrance at Cumberland; drop-offs only accepted at this door. The Fire Department will distribute this equipment to local hospitals in critical need.

The Village of Niles is grateful to residents, local businesses and organizations for their continued support during this difficult time.

This release was produced by the Village of Niles. The views expressed here are the author’s own.