Bohler Joins ‘Kids for Kids’ in Feeding First Responders

Bohler Principal Joe Deal has long been passionate about the Kids for Kids Foundation, based in New York City. A committee member of three years and counting, Joe has spearheaded planning for a number of fundraising events for the organization and has been very involved in many of their efforts.

Under normal circumstances, the Kids for Kids Foundation hosts monthly events to raise money and awareness for organizations that support children and families struggling with medical challenges. The foundation chiefly benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in addition to two other local children’s hospitals.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these fundraising events have now been put on hold. Recognizing the great need, they sought out a different way that they could continue to benefit the community.

Kids for Kids developed “Feeding First Responders” as an initiative to expand their focus to supporting and providing meals for hospital workers and other first responders on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past five weeks, they’ve partnered with local restaurants to deliver nearly 15,000 meals to hospital workers and first responders throughout the New York Metro area.

This week, Joe initiated a contribution from Bohler for 500 lunches that were delivered to Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip—Kids for Kids’ first Long Island delivery. The hospital was selected to directly support a Bohler teammate’s mom and Joe’s neighbors who work there. Joe joined the effort on site as a volunteer as well to help (safely) distribute the food.

“Sitting on the sidelines is not something that Kids for Kids knows how to do,” shared Kids for Kids Development & Events Manager, Suzanne Karath, who is currently coordinating the locations visited alongside members of her team. “All challenges are opportunities for us to unite and support our communities.”

Joe echoed Suzanne’s words, noting, “Kids for Kids is all about bringing people together and helping others. I’m proud of how this organization has expanded its focus to accomplish something greater in a time when people really need it.”

Learn more about how to support Kids for Kids Foundation’s efforts here.