#WereAllInThisTogether

There are many people who are thrown into the center of this pandemic. They are the Summit CityMD medical staff, working tirelessly on the frontlines day after day, placing their own health, and that of their families, at risk. Simply put, they are our Healthcare Heroes and we are incredibly grateful for the work they are doing.

Take a minute right now to send them a message to let them know you care. A few words go a long way to lift spirits and allow all of these incredible people to know how much we appreciate what they are doing for our community.

Send A Shout Out

Help us protect the medical staff who are working day and night to protect the community. We are graciously accepting donations of unopened N95 or surgical masks, eye protectors, gloves and gowns to ensure healthcare workers treating COVID-19 patients stay safe. Email info@smg-foundation.org for more information about where you can drop off any of these items in a safe (social distancing) way.

If you love to sew, or you’re willing to give it a try, you can sew masks to donate. These will be used by our local food pantry partners to keep those distributing food and those receiving it protected. They will also be given to high-risk patients entering our healthcare facilities. Donating masks for this cause allows N95 or surgical masks to be used directly for the medical staff who are working with COVID-19 patients and are therefore, at a higher risk of contracting the virus. Click here or here for a brief tutorial on how to make these simple, yet effective masks.

Email info@smg-foundation.org for more information about where you can drop off your homemade masks in a safe (social distancing) way.

Make a gift to the SMGF COVID-19 Relief Fund so we can continue to respond to the dire and changing needs of the most vulnerable in our community. There’s only one way to fight a virus. Together. Please help us help others in this time of crisis.

Experts know best! Here are some tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help you stay safe. To learn more, click here.  For quick facts flyers in English and Spanish, click here (English, Spanish)

• Wash your hands often (rub with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; sing the “Happy Birthday” song while you wash!), click here (English, Spanish)
• Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable
• Avoid close contact with others
• If you must be around others, cover your nose and mouth with a cloth (a bandana works well) or face mask
• Sneeze and/or cough in the inside of your elbow or into a tissue, then wash hands
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, light switches, computer keyboard) inside your home
• Manage your stress Learn More

Keeping diabetes under control is one of the best defenses against Covid-19. But for the hundreds of low-income adults we work with at northern New Jersey food pantries, that can be an overwhelming challenge. Many didn't have insurance before the pandemic, and now with more and more layoffs, even fewer do. Staying home is often not an option because they are essential workers, working in healthcare, keeping our grocery stores open and our deliveries on time. Many live in multi-generational homes, so even if older people can stay home, they can be infected by a younger relative who needs to

From making face masks and shields, to donating socks and meals, we have been overwhelmed by the strength and support shown by our local community. Your donations have had an enormous impact, keeping spirits up, keeping people safe and reminding us #weareallinthistogether and together we will beat this virus. If you want to send meals to your healthcare heroes or donate Personal Protective Equipment or hygiene and cleaning supplies for use at our free medical screenings, please email info@smg-foundation.org. A HUGE heartfelt THANK YOU to all the individuals and organizations who have contributed to our COVID-19 Relief Fund, and to

The faces of our community outreach programs are low-income, food insecure Hispanic and African American adults, living with diabetes, pre-diabetes, hypertension and obesity.  More than one-third are over 60 years old. These characteristics match the demographics identified by the CDC as being at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Since the onset of this pandemic we have been working to get food pantries desperately needed personal protection equipment and hygiene materials so they can stay open. We have created and distributed educational information about the importance of social distancing, directions for proper handwashing, tips for managing stress through personal