During these unprecedented times, it’s been overwhelming to read and watch the news regarding the Covid-19 pandemic. However, we’re pleased to continue reporting on Watson Land Company customers who are rising to the challenges. These organizations are coming together to accomplish one mutual goal: to combat the COVID-19 disease caused by a novel strain of coronavirus.
Stories of WLC customers stepping-up set a clear example of companies throughout the area using their resources to donate to those in need. And one of the largest areas of need is providing essential personal protective equipment (PPE) to healthcare workers on the frontlines of the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s the number one issue for healthcare organizations at this time as hospitals worry that they will continue to face a shortage of masks, gloves, and gowns that doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers need to protect themselves from infection from the highly contagious virus.
Thankfully, Watson customer Caleres answered the call early. Founded in 1878, Caleres Inc. is a global footwear company that owns and operates a multiplicity of footwear brands, including Famous Footwear, Dr. Scholl’s Shoes, and Rykä. Headquartered in Clayton, Missouri, with a distribution center at Watson Industrial Park Chino, the company has partnered with Crocs Inc. to donate thousands of free pairs of comfortable and long-lasting clogs to healthcare workers throughout the United States.
Furthermore, Caleres has included pairs of Dr. Scholl’s slip-resistant, protective shoe covers to help these essential workers remain safe and clean as they ensure people get the medical attention they need. Deliveries of these protective covers went to various healthcare workers, while donations of 20,000 Crocs went directly to healthcare workers through the Crocs Share-a-Pair portal.
Caleres has also responded to the needs of healthcare workers by redirecting trained employees to manufacture thousands of masks every day to be delivered to hospitals. These skilled workers have made more than 100,000 masks to date. Additionally, the company contributed N-95 masks to healthcare organizations and first responders in New York and St. Louis during crucial moments of the pandemic in those areas.
The company’s brands have also made a positive impact. Allen Edmonds donated to Two Ten’s Share Your Shoes program. Rykä launched #Rykäfornurses, which shows appreciation to nurses across the country by offering a free pair of Rykäs to them. And donations of insoles and shoes to a number of hospitals in California and New York have been made by Vionic. All of these brands, as well as Sam Edelman, have donated approximately 5,000 shoes worth over $250,000 to healthcare workers who are on the front lines every day assisting in Covid-19 relief efforts. Shoes have gone to hospitals in New York, San Francisco, New Orleans, and St. Louis.
As our country carries on and copes with the pandemic, we know that customers like Caleres will continue to discover methods to utilize their resources to support the community, our healthcare workers, and the families that are affected by this crisis. Their donations have significantly helped to address the shortages that have had an effect on the lives of many during Covid-19.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) and supplies like shoes are crucially important in stopping the spread of Covid-19 while protecting our vital healthcare workforce. These essential workers are in our communities; they are our neighbors, our family, our friends. They care for each and every one of us who needs it the most during this time.
At Watson, healthcare workers have our deepest respect, and we are honored to partner with companies like Caleres who are able to answer their call and provide whatever is necessary to assist them in the Covid-19 fight. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work together as a community, for the betterment of all.
To learn more about Watson Land Company, please explore our website at www.watsonlandcompany.com.
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