Lowe’s Home Improvement donated personal protective equipment (PPE) to Haven to support the local hospice during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are so happy to be able to help,” said Brian Rau, the store manager of Lowe’s in Palatka. “Lowe’s has been on a personal mission to help service our communities that we operate in through the challenges right now, and I know with patients, staff, and visitors on [Haven’s] campuses, there must be a significant demand.”

Lowe’s delivered 6,000 pairs of gloves, 4,500 masks and 4,000 ounces of gel hand sanitizer to Haven’s Roberts Hospice Care Center in Palatka. Haven Vice President of Development Sharon Jones said this donation will be used in the Palatka community and beyond. “The entire Haven family is very excited and grateful to learn of this gift,” said Jones. “The Roberts Hospice Care Center will certainly benefit from this PPE, but our other four hospice care centers, our staff, and patients and families will also benefit.”

Haven continues to treat patients, including those who are COVID-19 positive, in its 18-county service area amid the coronavirus pandemic. Staff undergo screenings and adhere to safety guidelines, and visitors are allowed to spend time with patients as long as they meet certain criteria, which includes wearing masks, gloves and using hand sanitizer.

Store manager Brian Rau said he learned that Haven was in critical demand of PPE items through the Rotary Club of Palatka and that he looks forward to partnering with Haven to address any future needs.

Lowe’s Home Improvement Employees pose with Haven clinical staff at the Roberts Hospice Care Center in Palatka.