HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- A probation and parole worker wants to spread love to employees at a Henrico nursing facility as COVID-19 leaves a devastating mark.
Blake Saunders said watching the headlines daily about the horrific impact Coronavirus has left on Canterbury Rehabilitation & Healthcarecompelled him to take action.
So far the virus has claimed the lives of more than three dozen residents there and sickened others.
The supervisor at Henrico Probation and Parole said he believes the nurses working at Canterbury are doing a tremendous job under considerably stressful conditions, so he started an online fundrauiser to pull the community together and honor them.
Saunders' goal is to raise $50,000 to donate to the entire nursing staff. But he needs the public’s help.
“I thought if I was a nurse, I’d like to be tipped," Saunders explained. "I’d like somebody to give me a chunk of change, even if it’s just to get a tank of gas or a steak dinner or whatever."
If you would like to donate, click here to access the "Help Our Henrico Heroes!” GoFundMe page.
As of Saturday night, Saunders had raised more than $3,000 toward his goal.
Saunders said he will continue the fundraiser as long as donors support it and is hopeful it will lift the spirits of the Canterbury nurses.
"My hopes are to split this among the nursing staff and say, 'Here you go. Please know that the community cares,'” Saunders added.