To support essential workers, along with small businesses, during the pandemic, Eugenia South, MD, of Emergency Medicine, collaborated with Harriet’s Book Shop, a black-owned small business that supports women authors and artists, to donate books to those working on the front line. After several weeks of South’s giveaways, Jeannine Cook, the owner of Harriet’s Book Shop, had the idea of Essentials for Essentials, a program where people can purchase books for the Emergency Department staff at HUP and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. “It started when one customer wanted to buy a book for a neighbor who was a nurse, and she wanted to cheer her up,” said Cook. “It gave me the idea that books can heal.”
In April, South began to take book requests from doctors, nurses, technicians, and any other staff who were interested in participating. Quickly receiving 50 book orders, South shared the list with Cook who posted it on her shop’s website, and in just one day, all the requested books were bought. Once the books are purchased, Cook wraps them up in boxes that are then delivered to the hospitals. As part of the program, book donators can leave notes that Cook describes as “prescriptions” for the health care workers, expressing their thanks for service or sharing why that book is meaningful to them.
Learn how you can support our essential staff at essentialsforessentials.bigcartel.com/products.