In Greenwich, a small gesture triggers community-wide acts of kindness

Riverside, CT (March 18, 2020) – What began as a small gesture by a group of Riverside residents to support a local eatery and first responders at Greenwich Hospital has blossomed into a community-wide act of kindness. 

Cody Kaye and a small group of friends ordered five pies from Greenwich Pizzeria for delivery to the Emergency Department on Tuesday, much to the delight and surprise of the doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals who are working around-the-clock to care for patients.

“We were looking for a way to support our local establishments and have the food delivered to people who we thought could use a break and a slice of pizza,” said Kaye, who like many parents is home with her children. Greenwich public and private schools are closed in response to the community spread of the COVID-19 virus. 

“Greenwich Hospital is our local hospital. We’ve all been there – whether to have a baby or bring a kid with a broken arm to the Emergency Department. It’s our way of saying thanks to people we can’t see in person,” Kaye added.

Shelby Smith, RN, Emergency Department nurse manager, said staff was moved by the “unexpected and welcomed kindness. Our staff takes pride in caring for patients and families. To have the community reciprocate in this manner was amazing.”

“We cannot express how appreciative and grateful we are,” said Christopher Davison, MD, Emergency Department medical director. “We are working hard to care for patients in our community and these acts of kindness make a tremendous difference.”

As word of the pizza delivery spread, Kaye shared the news in an email to parents in her daughter’s third-grade class at Riverside School. The response has been tremendous.

“We’ve seen donations of $20 to $300,” said Kaye. On Wednesday, the Riverside residents were planning to deliver sandwiches from Aux Delice to Greenwich Hospital nurses working in the medicine unit. 

 “We’ll keep ordering and delivering food as long as we have donations,” she said. “It’s the least we can do.”

Greenwich Hospital is a member of Yale New Haven Health. Greenwich is a 206-bed (includes 32 isolettes) community hospital serving lower Fairfield County, Connecticut and Westchester County, New York. It is a academic affiliate of Yale School of Medicine. Since opening in 1903, Greenwich Hospital has evolved into a progressive medical center and teaching institution representing all medical specialties and offering a wide range of medical, surgical, diagnostic and wellness programs. Greenwich Hospital is recognized throughout the healthcare industry as a leader in service and patient satisfaction excellence. Greenwich Hospital has the prestigious Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the nation’s highest honor of nursing excellence. www.greenwichhospital.org