A Chick-fil-A in Washington state delivered 1,000 meals last week to a local hospital that has been impacted by the novel coronavirus.
Chick-fil-A Cascade Park in Vancouver, Wash., delivered the meals to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, which is about four miles away.
“We are so grateful to [owner] John Dombroski and his team at Chick-fil-A Cascade Park in Vancouver for delivering and serving 1,000 meals to our hard-working caregivers today,” the hospital wrote on its Facebook page. “Your kindness in a tough time is appreciated more than you can know.”
Chick-fil-A, on its own Facebook page, said it was “truly honored to partner with PeaceHealth Southwest to serve their fantastic team.”
Hospital workers said they appreciated the gesture.
“Thank you so much Chic fil a ... we are all so appreciative of your kindness! it was delicious and brightened our workday!” one worker wrote on the hospital’s Facebook page.
Washington state has the most COVID-19 cases (1,014) in the nation, according to Johns Hopkins University. Fifty-five people have died.
The hospital is preparing for an influx of cases by postponing elective surgeries indefinitely.
“This measure will free up space in our hospital, while also conserving supplies and ensuring the safety of all patients, community and caregivers,” PeaceHealth spokeswoman Debra Carnes told The Columbian newspaper in an email.
The hospital previously restricted visitor access until COVID-19 is no longer considered a public health threat.
“Out of an abundance of caution and learning from our partners in the Seattle area, we are taking these steps to protect our patients, caregivers and community, and to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community,” the hospital said in a March 13 statement.
Visitors are not allowed within the hospital, although exceptions are made in certain areas, such as parents of a minor, support persons for end-of-life patients, and two visitors for births.
PeaceHealth Southwest has about 350 total beds.
Photo courtesy: Kayla Koslosky
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
