BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — When a Brevard County teacher realized the extra supplies in her "empty classroom" could help local health professionals, she acted.
Brevard County Schools made a special delivery of more than 600 containers of disinfecting wipes donated by local teachers Monday to the Health First hospital in Melbourne.
The idea started with Indialantic Elementary teacher Rebecca Talaia, who was inspired by a parent, who also happens to be a nurse.
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“I said, ‘I know a place that has a lot of wipes,’ because at the beginning of the school year our families are always so generous,” Talaia said. “It's one of the things we have on our list.”
That led to a conversation with the principal, that led to a conversation with Brevard County School Board member Tina Descovich, which led to another conversation with Superintendent Mark Mullins.
“Those did not come from our teachers those came from the parent who so willingly gave at the beginning of the school year,” Talaia said.
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Not all those supplies were removed, but enough for a sizeable donation.
“It mean an absolute unbelievable thing those 600 wipes just imagine if we're able to avoid a cross contamination just by the use of me of those wipes,” said Health First system director for logistics and material, Ana Victoria Sanchez.
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Sanchez said because of Health First warehouse, the health care provider is in better shape than others, but still forced to navigate a difficult marketplace during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“So, little Indialantic Elementary School, we started this difference, and then the county,” Talaia said. “Since then, I created a website.”
Talaia is hopeful other districts will follow Brevard County Schools’ example.