Editor,

As you may be aware, Careage of Whidbey is experiencing a significant COVID-19 outbreak.

From Clinton to Oak Harbor, the outpouring of support from our community has been nothing less than overwhelming. The personal notes have been especially appreciated by our devoted caregivers and staff in the kitchen, housekeeping, maintenance and administrative departments.

Our dedicated staff is covering for team members that have tested positive, or have young children at home and not in school or daycare, resulting in long shifts. The donations of food, beverages and meals has been gratefully received.

Due to the numerous daily calls offering support, we have designated our business office manager, Stephanie Teano, as the donation liaison. Please contact her directly for all donations at 360-914-6063 as she is managing this remotely. Although the large batches of homemade soups, bread and desserts were thoughtful, we can only accept food items commercially wrapped for individual use, prepared by local restaurants or from a store.

A special thank you to Jack Ng of China City for providing a meal to all of our staff, the team at Days for Girls for sewing fabric masks and disposable gowns out of garbage bags, even with drawstring sleeves, Payless store for its financial contribution, Linda Rush who started a “Go Fund Me” page to benefit all health care providers in our community, Catherine Robinson who made South Island Medical Clinic a donation drop site, Prairie Center Red Apple for beverages and snacks, the Coupeville Lions Club and all of the churches and individuals too numerous to name, that have supported our local restaurants and arranged through our Donation Liaison for meals to be delivered, and lastly, the families of our residents that have sent messages of encouragement.

Sean O’Neill, administrator

Careage of Whidbey