19th Ward Effort To Help Amid Coronavirus Expands To Police, Fire

CHICAGO — A GoFundMe to help feed medical staff at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn set up last week by 19th Ward Ald. Matt O'Shea has already doubled its original goal and set its sights much higher. Now, O'Shea says so much has been raised that the effort will also feed first responders at the fire stations and police station in the ward in the coming weeks.

As of March 24 at 8 p.m., $21,960 has been raised. Originally set at $10,000, the charity goal is now at $50,000. READ MORE: Effort Begins To Feed Medical Staff At Christ Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

The effort was set up as a way to support, through individual meals from the Original Pancake House in Beverly, medical workers at the front lines of the fight against the new coronavirus that has spread worldwide. Just Wednesday, 330 new cases of the coronavirus known as COVID-19 were announced in Illinois over a 24-hour span.

"Our community stands together in times of difficulty," O'Shea said. "Now more than ever, it is critical that we support those who are protecting us."

The expanded effort will also include other medical facilities in addition to Christ. On Wednesday morning, volunteers worked to deliver the first set of meals as part of the effort.

In addition to donating through the GoFundMe, those willing to help can also mail a check payable to "19th Ward Youth Foundation" at 10402 S. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60643.

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