Local Asian Communities Are Coming Together to Support First Responders and Health Care Workers
PEARLAND – (March 30, 2020) – The global outbreak of COVID-19 has been rapidly evolving in the past few days. The total number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. increased to more than 163,000, with more than 3,000 deaths. As the pandemic continues to spread, the greater Houston region has seen rapid growth in new cases and faces a shortage of medical supplies needed to fight the coronavirus.
On March 21, 2020, the Pearland Chinese Association, the Alliance of Youth Leaders in the United States (AYLUS) Pearland Chapter, and the Hua Xia Chinese School Pearland Campus decided to raise funds to collect the most-needed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and hygiene supplies to support the health care workers and first responders on the frontlines. This “COVID-19 Prevention and Love for the Community” initiative encourage community members to work together and donate needed supplies to local hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, police departments, and fire departments.
Within a week, the local Chinese community donated more than $12,000, including funds donated from the Pearland Chinese Association’s limited operation funds. Members of AYLUS Pearland, a youth volunteer group, donated more than $3,000 within just three days. Many high school students donated money from their savings to support current vital needs. A young boy used his “lucky money” received in red envelopes during Chinese New Year to purchase and donate 200 protective suits.
“Students learned from the news that medical supplies are in severe shortages,” said Carol Li, a Pearland ISD mom and AYLUS Pearland parent advisor. “We hope our efforts can help fight against the pandemic in an effective and meaningful way.”
Additionally, volunteers have been dedicated to communicating with medical workers and first responders through phone calls and social media to coordinate the donation drop-offs. To place orders for masks, gloves, hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes, and protective suits that are in high demand, volunteers spent countless hours online to find reliable sources until they came across this provider who is known for his quality medical aids and great customer services.
Ultimately, the community’s hard work paid off. The plethora of donated items was delivered to the City of Pearland, medical staff at CHI St. Luke’s Health Anesthesiology Department, Memorial Hermann Pearland Hospital, Baylor St. Luke’s Emergency Center-Pearland, and Tuscany Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Cecil Barcelo, administrator at Tuscany Village Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation said, “We thank AYLUS Pearland and the Pearland Chinese Association for their time and generous aid. The love and support they made us feel like we are not fighting alone.”
“We are searching various methods to gain the supplies we need, so please let everyone know how much we appreciate all the help from the local Chinese community,” said Raquel Garza from the City of Pearland’s Fire Department.
“Residents have shown an extraordinary amount of compassion towards the community in the last few weeks,” said Xiaoling Liu, president of the Pearland Chinese Association. “Not only has the initiative helped the local community, but it has also given the residents an opportunity to come together and foster hope during a difficult time. People share their ongoing support and love they have for each other. Together, we can fight the virus.”
Written by Kate Liu
