When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in earnest, Tiffany Bates of New Ipswich said she saw an outpouring of support for first responders and medical professionals. But now when she talks to her team of nurses as she’s preparing for a surgical procedure, she said she hears stories of people taking out their frustration on them.
One of her nurses called it “COVID fatigue.”
“People are tired of hearing about it. I was talking to my nurses and trying to make jokes, and she said I was the only person who hadn’t yelled at her that day,” Bates said. “There’s a lot of delays right now, and they’re the fall back for people’s anger, but they’re just trying to do their jobs.”
Bates said she wants to bring back that atmosphere of support for a group that most deserves it as numbers of positive coronavirus cases are increasing in the state.
She put out the idea among her friends and in a large group chat she is part of, and volunteers quickly raised their hands to fill self-care baskets for nurses across Southern New Hampshire.
Mandi Maloney of New Ipswich is one of the people helping to coordinate the project, which is collecting donations of self care items like wine, tea, bath items, lotion, gift cards and other relaxation items, as well as collecting nominations for nurses across the southern part of the state.
Maloney said it’s a relief to focus on something positive.
“In a small town with a lot of division, a lot of people have pulled together and said they want to be in on this. It’s been nice to see people pull together instead of arguing and being divided,” Maloney said. “It’s a time when everyone should be pulling together, especially to help these front line workers. They’re overworked, underpaid and underappreciated. It’s just a time of need, it really is.”
The group, dubbed “Operation Nurses’ Christmas” is currently seeking donations and volunteers to help assemble and deliver baskets and provide items to fill them. Bates said there have already been several generous donations from both businesses and individuals, with several people within the group purchasing items from their own pockets.
“These people are working tirelessly and risking themselves to help,” Maloney said. “In the spirit of Christmas, this is something that can bring a bit of happiness to people who really deserve it.”
Baskets will be delivered to nurses in December, following Center for Disease Control guidelines for contactless delivery.
The group is attempting to gather donations for 25 to 30 baskets, and nominations for recipients by Dec. 11. Those who wish to donate, or nominate a nurse in the Southern New Hampshire area may do by messaging the Operation Nurses’ Christmas Southern New Hampshire Facebook page or by contacting Maloney at luvchyaar@gmail.com.