LAWRENCE, Wis. (NBC 26) -- On the fourth day of Rep. Mike Gallagher's PPE drive in partnership with the Brown County Health Department, the office gathered a large collection of donated supplies to sanitize and distribute amongst Northeast Wisconsin's first responders.
On March 31, Rep. Gallagher (WI-08) partnered with the Brown County Health Department in a call for constituents to donate personal protective equipment that they would directly give to local hospitals, law enforcement, fire departments and emergency workers. The campaign has no end date, and will run as long as needed.
The Lawrence Fire Department picked up the first round of donations collected, which included 30,000 gloves, 30 masks, and almost 150 protective suits and gowns.
"I was surprised at how many donations we got," Rep. Gallagher said. "I guess I shouldn't be; we live in an exceptionally generous part of the country. It's been amazing to hear how many businesses are stepping up to try and do their part."
Rep. Gallagher said that his office has been flooded with calls from businesses asking how to adjust their manufacturing or models to produce PPE, as well as civilians wondering how they can help.
"We're going to work with the Brown County Health Department to distribute it to those who need it," Rep. Gallagher explained. "So presumably some in the fire department community will get it, some in the law enforcement community will get it, and then of course those in the hospital system that need it will get it. My office is serving as a hub for collecting the donations, then we'll let the experts figure out who needs it the most."
While Rep. Gallagher's office staff is working remotely, they are prepared to organize safe and socially distant pick ups for those still interested in donating supplies, which is highly encouraged as long as the coronavirus outbreak continues in Wisconsin.
If you want to arrange for a donation, you can email WI08donations@gmail.com or call Rep. Gallagher's office at (920)301-4500.
