As many of you already know, our hospitals are facing critical supply shortages, especially in parts of the country that are being hit the hardest.

Ponchos and Umbrellas Sign at Disney World

One of these places is New York City and recently one of our DFB readers reached out to us on behalf of the medical workers in her community who are risking their lives right now to save others.

NYC hospitals really need our help right now, especially Montefiore’s medical staff.  These guys are working on the frontlines and are running out of PPE (personal protective equipment). They are in desperate need of equipment they can use to shield themselves while carrying out their jobs. That’s why they’re asking for any and all items from this list below — even if they aren’t medical-grade.

You may not have any masks or latex gloves laying around, but we know you have some plastic rain ponchos you might have bought for an upcoming Disney trip hiding in your coat closets! Or maybe you bought some and never used them!

While you probably wouldn’t expect these cheap pieces of plastic to save lives, not all heroes wear capes — some wear plastic rain ponchos! Medical workers can use them as a substitute for the disposable protective gowns they normally wear.

Poncho Set

If you wish to donate ANY of these materials (including plastic rain ponchos!) to Monteifoire’s Medical Care Team, here’s where you can ship them:

And if you’re looking for even more ways to help hospital workers in NYC or your community, you make your own face masks at home! According to the New York Post, Jo-ann craft stores are giving away free kits which include all the materials you need to make them. They’re doing curbside pick-up and they’ll even donate the masks to hospitals for you.

Join us in the fight to keep our heroes out there safe! These are difficult times for all, but there are still many ways to help from home!