Going the extra mile for Safe Passage

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Pictured above Jeff Lamping, Hill-Rom driver, “elbow bumps” with Mike Gehring, upon picking and delivering the freezer for Safe Passage last week. The shelter’s freezer had died suddenly, but shipping was suspended and the new freezer was stuck in Plainfield. Gehring reached out to Hill-Rom for help and within two days, the nonprofit had a working freezer.

Two local companies partnered to help a local domestic violence shelter in need. Safe Passage Operations Manager Donna Huffmaster knew the shelter’s freezer was on its last leg. She called Gehring, Inc., to order a large 48 cubic foot freezer, but Gehring later learned the supplier had suspended all shipping, due to the Coronavirus. As fate would have it, the freezer died Friday (April 3) and the nonprofit lost most of the food inside. Due to the size of the freezer, it would be difficult to pick up the freezer in a regular pick-up truck. Gehring contacted Ted Amberger, fleet supervisor for Hill-Rom and Ted went right to work and confirmed he could get a company semi to pick up the freezer on the way back from Indianapolis and deliver to Safe Passage.

As promised, Monday afternoon, Jeff Lamping pulled up the Hill-Rom semi in front of Gehring’s with the freezer inside. With a forklift, the freezer was delivered to Safe Passage and installed by Gehring at the shelter. Mike Gehring said, “We are grateful to Hill-Rom for going above and beyond to help out. There is so much going on in our country and world with this virus and as busy as Hill-Rom is trying to supply the demand to the hospital field that they took time out to help is truly commendable.”

Safe Passage staff and clients in turn are truly thankful to not just Hill-Rom but Gehring as well. Deemed an essential business/service and in full operation providing critical needs, Safe Passage has had tremendous support from the public and organizations during this health crisis. The following day some 42 rolls of toilet paper, 14 hand soaps and disposable gloves were dropped off at the local shelter, and that’s just in one day! Restaurant meals have also been donated for shelter clients. Executive Director Jane Yorn commented, “These are just a few examples of many wonderful businesses and individuals who regularly reach out and provide support. We are truly thankful for the support, particularly in this time of need.”