Shrewsbury woman, volunteers responding to COVID-19 crisis in major way

The COVID-19 crisis is pushing our medical community to the brink.

Doctors, nurses, and first responders are exhausted and we are told the worst is yet to come. That's why a Shrewsbury woman is jumping into help in a major way.

"We have no idea what these people are facing every day we really don't. And I hear these stories from the inside and it is heartbreaking. And it's scary," said Andrea Castinetti.

Castinetti is a Shrewsbury realtor, and she is responding to the COVID-19 crisis in a major way.

Before the coronavirus overwhelmed the medical community, she started making arrangments to buy much needed N95 masks and other supplies.

In two weeks, Andrea’s group, started on Facebook, and continued on GoFundMe, raised $51,000.

"I’ve been able to bring in thousands upon thousands of masks and supplies and get them into the hands of those who truly need them,” she said.

And it's not just masks.

Castinetti and her volunteers are collecting items for COVID-19 kits, bags for first responders and medical staff, containing masks, gowns, wipes, even cookies.

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"It's honestly amazing. The sound of relief in their voices you can't even truly articulate that," she said.

Right now, Castinetti and her group are raising more money, buying more supplies, distributing them throughout at medical facilities and nursing homes throughout Central Massachusetts, Metro West, and Boston.

She will continue, as long as it takes.

As long as the men and women on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis need help.

"We just want them to know how much we care and how appreciative we are of them," she said.

The response to Andrea’s appeal has been remarkable. If you would like to help, visit her Facebook group of GoFundMe page.

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RESOURCES:

- Massachusetts Coronavirus Information

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