OLD BRIDGE – With schools closed indefinitely due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, Schools Superintendent David Cittadino realized a dire need the district could fill.
Thus, the district donated much-needed medical supplies to the township’s first responders. The supplies included masks, gloves, protective gel, wipes and rubber gloves, according to district officials in a release.
Cittadino said he holds daily conference calls with the township and the Office of Emergency Management and learned from those briefings there were shortfalls in supplies for the township’s police officers and Emergency Medical Service workers, who on a regular basis transport potential COVID-19 patients.
“It dawned on me that we have schools that are not occupied right now with these materials,” he said. “So, I surveyed our school nurses about what they had and the location of the materials. Then, I went on a scavenger hunt.”
In addition to the items found in the district’s 11 elementary, two middle schools, and the high school, some masks were donated by an employee with a contact.
The materials were picked up by the Office of Emergency Management, under the direction of Tom Gerrity.
“We have an excellent work relationship with the Board of Education and Mr. Cittadino, and we keep each other up to date,” Geritty said, who praised the district for the much-needed donations.
In the midst of the pandemic, Geritty said it is important to “remember to use good hygiene and that social distancing is extremely important.”
The township is continuing to look for disinfectant wipes, N95 masks and gloves.
Residents can drop off personal protective equipment in front of the public works building between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. weekdays. When dropping off, call 732-721-5600 ext. 6140.
The public works building is located adjacent to the township municipal building, 1 Old Bridge Plaza, near the animal shelter.
Cittadino said he also plans to donate testing swabs and gloves to local hospitals.