March 23, 2022 —Last week, Kendal~Crosslands Communities organized a drive for Ukraine refugees collecting relief donations. When Terry Engeman, a resident and a volunteer with The Encore Shop, a quality resale shop located in Kennett Square benefitting Chester County Hospital, shared with the community Penn Medicine’s efforts for donations the community quickly mobilized to participate. “Many of us watch as the devastation in Ukraine unfolds. Thanks to Terry’s idea, we are working with our Penn Medicine friends and joining their Ukraine relief donation drive to collect items that will ship to areas affected by the travesty”, says Lisa Marsilio, Chief Executive Officer Kendal~Crosslands Communities.
Mike Duncan, President and CEO of Chester County Hospital, Lisa Marsilio, CEO of Kendal~Crosslands Communities, and Terry Engemen, Resident, Kendal at Longwood with some of the Ukraine relief donations
Ukraine Relief Donations – Close to 100 Boxes Full
For a week, the community’s residents and staff members collected soaps, toothbrushes/paste, diapers, and other personal hygiene and first-aid products. Close to 100 boxes were filled at their Kendal at Longwood and Crosslands campus. “What an incredible response we’re getting to our humanitarian request, says Terry Engeman, Kendal at Longwood resident. We’ve been packing donated boxes as the tables fill, and spent hours sorting items,” says Engeman.
Aside from the organized donation drive, the community also donated much-needed personal protective equipment (P.P.E.) to Project C.U.R.E., an organization that identifies, collects, sorts, and distributes donated medical equipment and supplies worldwide. “We have pallets of gowns, masks, gloves, face shields, that we knew the Ukraine region could use. We are fortunate to have a supply we can share with the world”, says Antonio Sofia, Director of Rehabilitative and Wellness Services. Project C.U.R.E. is continuing to provide humanitarian support to various partners in Ukraine and is on standby to assist with further requests for medical supplies and equipment. Since 2000, Project C.U.R.E. has sent 53 C.U.R.E. Cargo shipments to Ukrainian facilities throughout the country.
Antonio Sofia, Director of Rehabilitative and Wellness Services and donated PPE to Project C.U.R.E.
Michael Duncan, President, and Chief Executive Officer, Chester County Hospital, stopped by for a visit to thank the community for their participation. “We are thrilled to have friends in the community working together.” But, unfortunately, it has to be under such devasting circumstances,”. says Duncan.
“We continue to keep in the light our friends abroad and be thankful for our blessings so that we may share with others,” says Marsilio.