Coronavirus: Huntington’s Heroes Stand Out With Their Service

Huntington Now Media wants to recognize those who are doing great work to keep our community together and functioning as close as possible to normal during this pandemic.

We welcome your suggestions for further recognition. 

James W. Polansky and the team at the Huntington Union Free School District. From the beginning of the crisis, Polansky and his deputies have done a spectacular job rearranging schedules, food service and more. All districts have been doing similar work; what makes the HUFSD stand out is its transparency, its sharing of useful information, such as food banks and social services lists, with not only the Huntington school community but residents across Huntington.

Grocery store clerks. All of them who have withstood the stress of restocking and helping sometimes-demanding customers who aren’t happy they can’t buy 10 packs of chicken or fill three carts with toilet paper. Clerks of all ages are under pressure to try to help customers happy while also worrying about their own families’ needs, changing schedules and more. Ditto for other retail workers.

The Revs. Kim Gambino and Pastor Danny Rivera. Helping Hand Rescue Mission and the Huntington Assembly of God regularly work together to serve the neediest in Huntington, providing food, clothing, and various baby supplies. Diapers are the biggest need, Gambino said. She said there was an immediate increase in clients when the coronavirus epidemic first hit; she expects the need to continue as more and more people lose their jobs and donations slow. Diapers are in a big need.

Huntington Hospital Staff. Every one, teams and individuals alike: nurses, doctors, aides, custodians and maintenance workers, technicians, administrative staff, food service–the entire team is working hard as the number of patients increases and the work becomes more perilous as supplies of personal protection equipment run low. 

If you want to nominate someone who is doing extraordinary work to serve others during this crisis, please let us know.  

 

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