Thousands of snacks and notes of encouragement are rolling in to help refuel healthcare workers in Oneida County.

"The response to Snacks for Healthcare Workers of Oneida County has been absolutely incredible," says Abbie Taylor, who created the drive after asking a friend, who is a nurse, how she could help. "In the first 5 days more than 2500 snacks were donated."

The first delivery of snacks at three hospitals in Oneida County took place on Monday, January 11th. Each snack box included encouraging notes to Healthcare workers. "The frontline workers have a long road ahead of them so we hope to provide enough snacks to fuel and support them during the ongoing spike of COVID hospitalization," says Taylor. "Keep in mind that one prepackaged snack is about 100-200 calories, so a healthcare worker may have one or several snacks to fuel them through their 12-14 hour shift."

The men and women receiving the snacks and notes are very thankful. "A healthcare worker who received one of the boxes reached out to say how much it was appreciated," says Taylor.

Photo Credit - Abbie Taylor
Photo Credit - Abbie Taylor
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There are 9 drop off locations in Oneida County, managed by local businesses. Most locations are contactless and have a closely monitored outside drop off bin/table or a bin just inside their main entrance. Donations will be accepted until January 31st. "Due to the incredible response, we are hopeful that the snacks delivered to the hospitals will fuel and support the healthcare workers beyond January 31st."

Drop Off Locations:

  • Nola's at 9 W Park Row in Clinton
  • Commonworker/McGrogan Design at 2522 Genesee Street in South Utica
  • United Way of the Mohawk Valley at 258 Genesee Street in Utica
  • Birch Wealth Management at 414 N James Street in Rome
  • New York Mills Town office at 1 Maple Street in New York Mills
  • Joe's Jerky & Corner Market at 190 E State Street in Sherrill
  • Seasons Adirondack Café at 12228 State Route 28 in Woodgate
  • Once Upon A Child at 8411 Seneca Turnpike in New Hartford
  • The Consignment at Chick 7505 State Route 5 in Clinton

Snacks are divided into boxes to offer a variety and easily be distributed within the hospitals.

Students at Sauquoit Valley Middle School created heartwarming, uplifting notes for healthcare workers to go with snacks and beverages they donated. "I have been told their notes are uplifting many Frontline workers during difficult times," Taylor says.

If you are a business or organization with a large donation, please contact me to schedule a pickup (315-316-2738).

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