Gulliver alumni giving back to first responders, healthcare workers amid COVID-19
In this new era of helping others, several Gulliver Schools alumni have stepped up to aid Miami’s first responders and healthcare workers. Be it face shields or pizzas, all help is important to keep everyone safe and fed.
Gulliver alum Alex Mijares (‘03), CEO of NetcomProducts, and his manufacturing team have produced PPE face shields designed to cover the face and ears made from durable Lexan material.
The company has donated thousands of face shields to hospitals, police officers and essential workers.
E.J. Martinez (‘00) is the owner and founder of Power Pizzeria in Pinecrest, known for its fresh daily whey protein dough and natural ingredients. Power Pizzeria has donated more than 3,000 pizzas to families in need, essential workers and local organizations.
Recently, Lourdes Leon Vega (‘92) and Monica Pardo (‘97) joined in helping to donate pizzas to local maternity wards.
Mijares said he’s using his company’s metal fabrication facility in Miami Lakes to make and ship thousands of face masks across the country.
“I’m a native Miamian and for us, it’s all about helping the community. We’ve pledged to donate approximately 300-500 masks a week in Miami to law enforcement,” he said.
Martinez and his Power Pizzeria have donated to Mercy Hospital, Jackson Memorial Hospital, South Miami Hospital, Baptist Hospital and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.
“We’ve also given to organizations for kids such as Big Brothers Big Sisters (every Tuesday), His House, Kristi House, Touching Miami with Love, Theodore Gibson Charter School, Downtown Miami Charter School, CARE Elementary, and Be The Light,” he said.
“To date, we have donated more than 3,000 pizzas and will continue our efforts. Pizza is a comfort food that makes kids (and adults) happy.
“The special part of Power Pizzeria’s program is that we are focusing donations on hospital health care workers and kids. Given all that’s going on, there are many children whose parents have lost their jobs, and are not receiving the nutrition that they depended on through school lunch programs.”
Grove Woman’s Club members are sewing masks
Under the direction of Billie Jean Baldwin and Mary Ann Gibbs, 15 members of The Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove have been sewing and distributing, at no cost to recipients, their Eco-Friendly Reusable Face Masks throughout the community.
So far, more than 500 masks have been delivered to family, friends and nonprofit organizations that serve Coconut Grove and the Miami area.
Recipients also include Easterseals After School Program, OceanVida’s Mindful Art Education Program in Little Haiti, Grove Watch, Food Pantry volunteers in West Grove, Jackson Hospital medical personnel, Thelma Gibson Health Initiative and the Veterans Administration Hospital Miami.
The dedicated group of sewers is ready to take more orders. To request a face mask, or to donate sewing materials, such as old cotton bed sheets, pillowcases, quilting fabric and 1/8-14 inch elastic, contact Billie Jean Baldwin at baldwinbj70@gmail.com.
The group also welcomes donations to support its efforts. Checks can be made payable to The Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove, and mailed to 2985 S. Bayshore Dr., Coconut Grove, FL 33133, Attention: Face Mask Project.
Mental health help for pregnant women
With anxiety, stress, and depression at increased levels due to COVID-19 concerns, and an already high prevalence of mental illness affecting thousands in our community, Healthy Start Coalition of Miami-Dade is reaching out to provide counseling to pregnant women and their families.
The group is encouraging those in need to call 305-541-0210.
And in honor of May’s Mental Health Month, HSCMD has also organized a fundraiser to ensure that the organization is able to continue delivering the best care to its treasured population. Visit www.hscmd.org for more.
Virtual Hope Walk for Huntington’s research
May is Huntington’s disease awareness month and the Huntington’s Disease Society of America’s South Florida Chapter wants to show that nobody is alone in this fight especially during these times of the coronavirus pandemic.
Huntington’s is a disease that is hardly ever mentioned in the news and yet in Florida, the total HD population is more than 21,000.
The HDSA Chapter will be holding the Southwest Florida Virtual Team Hope Walk on May 23.
A virtual walk is a real walk, but on your terms. You get to choose your own course. Walk in your driveway, neighborhood, in your house, and even on a treadmill to help in this grassroots fundraising event.
In previous years, thousands of families, friends, co-workers, neighbors and communities have walked together to support HDSA’s fight to improve the lives of people affected by HD and their families.
To sign up, visit: http://southflorida.hdsa.org/about/2020-southwest-florida-virtual-team-hope-walk
Virtual volunteers needed now
The YWCA South Florida is calling all individuals to join its COVID-19-specific program to play a pivotal role in helping parents, students and families navigate the transition into “learn from home” lesson plans offered within YWCA’s early childhood education and youth development programs.
Volunteers are not required to have previous training but must offer fundamental academic, language or mentorship skills. The greatest need is for Virtual Tutors who are fluent in English, Spanish or Creole to assist students with homework assignments across all YWCA’s virtual classes.
Also needed are Remote Story Readers to read beloved childhood books and educational stories that will be distributed to each family via video, and Remote Guest Speakers to lead informative discussions on topics aimed to empower and motivate students and supporters.
Virtual Career Mentors also are needed to share valuable career advice and tips with teens and young adults to assist with their professional advancement.
Online mentors and tutors must be able to meet a minimum of two days a week for 30 minutes a day and pass a background check. To sign up as a volunteer or to learn more, visit ywca-miami.org/what-you-can-do/volunteer/.
If you have news for this column, write to ChristinaMMayo@gmail.com.