After a difficult past few weeks, and facing uncertainty as to when things will return – in some form – back to normal, many people are wondering how they can help others within their own communities.
Ward 4 City Councilman Ed Brady, a member of the group that owns the Thirsty Beaver in Cranston and Huck’s Filling Station in East Greenwich, has been inundated with calls from friends, business colleagues and customers wanting to extend a helping hand by filling the stomachs of those working the front lines of the virus battle.
“Chef Andrea Leonardo and the small team of now three have been very busy doing their part to help the Rhode Island community. Through pledges from the community the Thirsty Beaver has been able to feed more than a thousand first responders and families in need over the last few weeks,” Brady said.
Others have answered the call as well. Zach Levesque from Northpointe Bank Providence, Cesar Loaiza of Allstate Insurance and Marco Conti of North American Restaurant Company have all donated funds for meals to be made for the Izzy Family Room at Hasbro’s Children’s Hospital.
Professional poker player Eric Rando donated 100 meals for Rhode Island hospital workers. David DiMaio Tax and Accounting Services and Billy Leuropa and Action Public Adjusters both donated 25 pizzas for all the fire stations in Cranston.
Jonathan and Christine Zinno donated 20 meals to firefighters in Providence. Margee Pesikov, Michael Quin, Tuan Dang and many others have stepped up and pledged meals for various local first responders and families.
Anita and Dan Dudemaine and the Citizens Bank digital team donated 75 meals for the workers at Rhode Island Hospital, while Mark McKiernan and his father donated another 100 meals to workers at the hospital.
“Donations came in and we were told to make sure they got to those who were in need,” Brady said.
Raymond Gaule donated 50 meals to people out of work throughout the community.
Diane Brady, who works for the Department of Health, has pledged over 50 meals for the department’s team. Cranston City Council President Michael Farina has pledged meals for many families throughout Cranston. Dr. Mike Kacewicz bought many Huck’s gift cards and handed them out to patients and friends.
“It’s like we put out the bat signal, and people step up. No questions asked. They want to help, and know that we can get people connected with what they need,” Brady said.
Brady knows it’s a small step toward addressing a giant problem.
“We simply want to help. I can’t cure the virus, but I can make sure that those who are fighting, know there are people out there supporting them, appreciating them, praying for them and more than anything, thanking them,” he said.
If you are able to help, and would like to sponsor some food or meals, reach out to brady4cranston@gmail.com.
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