WEST ALLIS — First responders in Milwaukee County are asking you to donate your unused protective medical gear, especially masks, gowns, gloves, and hand sanitizer.
You can drop off these items, and any other protective medical equipment you can share, at State Fair Park Gate 5 in West Allis. There is a truck that will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day of the week.
"All the departments in the county have reserves, but those reserves are going to be used up fairly quickly," said West Allis Fire Capt. Armando Suarez Del Real.
All-day long, people drove up to the truck to drop off what they could, some offering small amounts and others dropping truck loads.
"I'm just dropping off stuff that I've had in my basement for years," said Don Lovus." I've got 200 gloves, I've got about 40 masks."
"We actually found like seven ventilators, so I was really happy with that," said Kathy Synder.
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Cheryl Kaminski found a box of gloves and masks in her basement. She's a retired health care worker, so she understands the necessity of having enough proper protective gear.
"Those are simple, simple, protective, personal protective equipment that everyone, the hospitals, nursing homes, assisted livings, we used to take them all for granted because you would have them, and now we don't," Kaminski said.
Kaminski is sewing her own masks as well, and dropping off supplies is what she and many others believe is the least they can do.
For some, a small donation helps distract them from the hardships they're enduring.
"I want to do whatever I can to help. It is so sad," said Maria Zanoni. "I'm sorry. It is. I'm a small business, but I'll hang in there. I'm just sad for all the people who are struggling."
First responders say it's heartwarming to see the good side of humanity.
"People call us on their worst day, and it's wonderful to see the community coming together and helping people who are helping them," said Capt. Suarez Del Real.