Community News

As we navigate through the challenges presented by COVID-19, there are many uncertainties we face.

However, there is an unwavering truth that keeps us motivated through these trying times… that we are a part of a compassionate, strong and resilient community with a collective desire to do good and help.

Through continued engagement with its people, community as well as with subject matter experts, Novelis sought to identify opportunities to make immediate and positive impact at the start of the pandemic. What they quickly found was that there were a number of groups and organizations also working to support COVID-19 relief and recovery efforts. Recognizing the power of collaboration and teamwork, Novelis, Oswego Health and its Foundation along with the Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce and Quilt with Passion came together and created “SOH 2020.”

Designed to Support Oswego Health, “SOH 2020” started off as a two-week online event/virtual call to action – offering information/resources for homemade reusable mask-making and various acts of kindness to support the medical personnel and first responders in Oswego County with three key objectives:

• Create a sense of community online while supporting medical personnel (and one another) as we navigate the challenges presented by COVID-19
• Support efforts for COVID-19 response and relief in the medical community through online fundraising
• Fulfill the most immediate needs for PPE including but not limited to new/unopened N95 masks, safety goggles, face shields, gloves and DIY reusable cloth masks (including resources)

An initial goal of collecting 2,020 reusable cloth face masks (among other PPE) was set to help fulfill the most urgent and immediate needs facing medical personnel. Thanks to incredible effort of many small businesses and individuals (especially the sewists from Quilt With Passion) in Oswego County, SOH 2020 surpassed this goal -- collecting over 2,100 reusable cloth masks from community members as well as approx. 200 Face Shields, 200 Safety Goggles, thousands of dollars and hundreds of N95/KN95 masks and latex gloves.

The initial two-week campaign came to an end earlier this week. However, recognizing that the work is not done, founding members of SOH 2020 decided to continue organized efforts to support and protect healthcare heroes’ and the beloved community.

As the needs of the community continue to evolve, GOFCC, Quilt With Passion, Novelis and Oswego Health Foundation are partnering with iHeart Oswego to update and amend the SOH 2020 event into a more sustainable long-term program – enhancing community connectivity and the ability to support ongoing COVID-19 response, relief and recovery.

“On behalf of our medical staff and all the employees at Oswego Health, we would like to recognize the tremendous contributions made by community members across Oswego County; from donations of food to homemade masks, thank you so much for your continued support during this trying time,” says Margaret Barclay, Executive Director of Oswego Health Foundation.

The SOH 2020 relaunch is slated for the week of April 27 and will be announced via iHeartOswego.com.

Ways to Participate in SOH 2020 Now:

To help fund materials needed for homemade reusable cloth face masks and kits:

• PayPal: paypal.me/quiltoswego
• Venmo: julieburger

$10 Kits = material for 7 masks

CLICK HERE to donate to Oswego Health Foundation

CLICK HERE to send a note of appreciation or words of encouragement to Oswego Health Personnel

Homemade face masks and other PPE can be:

• Mailed to SOH 2020 C/O Oswego Health Foundation, 110 West Sixth Street, Oswego, NY 13126, or
• Dropped off at 127 West Sixth Street, Oswego, NY 13126. Please place items inside of the green Novelis bin located on the front porch. If someone is dropping off at the same time, please be sure to practice social distancing and wait for them to finish before approaching the porch.