An eight-year-old girl is lending a helping hand to frontline health care workers during the pandemic by delivering treats and snacks. Brianna Meegan of Yonkers wanted to support frontline and health care workers who are treating Covid-19 patients.
With her mother Fidelma Bartley Meegan’s help, they launched a Facebook page in March and so far they have raised almost $3,400. They have used the donations to buy candy, chips and protein bars for staff at six local hospitals, including Saint Joseph’s Medical Center, which received a delivery last month.
“They’re just amazed. They’re very happy and very appreciative,” said Fidelma, who explained that the distribution of treats has helped Brianna cope with being separated from all her school friends. “It really puts a smile on her face. She stays in the car with a mask during the delivery, but she can see how happy the people are.”
Brianna and Fidelma are still collecting funds and their hope is to do another round of snack delivery to the six hospitals they’ve supported. Fidelma said the deliveries have brought some medical workers to tears.
“Our staff was very touched by Brianna’s efforts,” said Lorraine Horgan, Vice President of External Affairs at Saint Joseph’s.
“Our dedicated and heroic staff have been working tirelessly providing high-quality care to the community we serve throughout this unprecedented pandemic and Brianna’s loving gesture really moved them and served as a reminder of how grateful the community is for all they are doing to defeat Covid-19.”
Brianna, who is still raising funds on Facebook, wrote, “My name is Brianna and I’m 8 years old. I want to raise funds for COVID-19 victims and families. I’m praying we all survive this and we get back to normal life soon. Pray for everyone and love everyone,
Originally, Brianna’s plan was to partner with a non-profit to help the thousands of restaurant workers in NY State that are unemployed. But after not being able to find a partner, Brianna and her mom moved forward to raise funds for the people on the frontlines, the medics, police, doctors, nurses and all of the hospital staff in Yonkers, by delivering some food and snacks. “Thank you to all that have donated already, we will feed the front lines as much as we possibly can. Since we cannot provide PPE, we can at least provide something else,” said the Meegan’s.
A message to Brianna from all of our readers. Thanks for volunteering, and for showing that every little bit counts, and that everyone can make a difference.
