Communities

D&E alumni help with supplies

ELKINS -- When some hospitals in West Virginia and others in the Mid-Atlantic region receive much needed masks, they have Davis & Elkins College alumni Brian Anderson '90 and his wife, Tracy, '91 to thank. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the Andersons to temporarily close their business, LeeMax Safety Solutions LLC, and the couple decided to spend their time helping the community.

LeeMax has business partnerships with various suppliers of safety equipment throughout the Mid-Atlantic and the Andersons have used those contacts to acquire items needed in the health care industry.

"We wanted to be part of the community and help in any way we can," Brian Anderson said.

Initially, the Andersons were able to get their business associates to donate 100 N95 masks to their local Wood County hospital, WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center. The hospital's advisory board asked if "donations of support" could be encouraged and that led to an outpouring of resources to purchase an additional 240 N95 masks and 4,000 surgical masks. As word about the Andersons' efforts made its way around, more businesses and individuals got on board to lend their support.

"We're thankful for our business partners' donations and donations from friends," Anderson said. "To help the community is to help everybody."

Health care professionals too have shared ideas. Requests are coming in for more medical supplies such as safety glasses and face shields, and that's kept the Andersons busy with phone calls and emails.

"It's very challenging to get the resources and get them delivered fast," Anderson explained. "Our many suppliers are checking hourly to keep following up with what's needed. Although it takes a lot of time and work, it's worth it to do what we can to help."