Peconic Bay Medical Center emergency department staff delivered 16 warm blankets to Maureen’s Haven Tuesday afternoon.
The emergency department nurses in October decided to conduct a blanket drive, nurses Mary Jo Stark and Natalie Wescott said. Staff members donated 32 blankets — some hand-made — and the group decided to donate half to Maureen’s Haven and half to North Fork Spanish Apostolate.
“We knew winter was coming and we’re aware of patients who have shelter needs. We wanted to give back to a place that partners with us,” Stark told Maureen’s Haven executive director Dan O’Shea.
“This means a lot to our guests,” O’Shea said, thanking the donors.
“It’s nice to give back,” Stark said. “Really, you guys help us out a lot.”
Stark said the emergency department is hoping to expand the blanket drive to the rest of the hospital next time.
“Blankets are so needed,” O’Shea said. “There are folks who may decide to stay outside.” Other blankets would be given to people who are setting up apartments or other living accommodations.
Maureen’s Haven runs an overnight shelter program in East End churches during the winter. The host sites provide guests with cots and blankets and food. They shelter 25 to 30 people per night, O’Shea said. Altogether, a total of about 78 different people take advantage of the overnight sheltering service, he said.
Between 20 and 40 people utilize the day center Maureen’s Haven operates on Lincoln Street. There they find shelter from extreme weather and can access a variety of services from the organization.
“We connect people with family, we connect them with services, take them to their doctors’ appointments, help them apply for jobs,” Maureen’s Haven social worker Mary Caffrey said.
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