COVID-19 Support

Covid-19 Community Support Initiatives

We are overwhelmed by the inspiring wave of support for our patients and employees. We are more convinced than ever that the Greater Lowell community is generous like no other. During these challenging times, there are so many of you who have reached out to offer assistance, and for that, please accept our sincere appreciation.

For those who have asked directly how they can support, we offer the following donation recommendations and guidelines:

Meal Donations

Each day, our clinicians and staff bravely confront the COVID-19 pandemic in order to provide exceptional care to our patients. We have had an outpouring of support from our community in assuring that our staff is well cared for as they navigate this challenging time. Many have reached out wanting to coordinate meal deliveries for departments and for those interested in doing so we offer the following guidelines: 

• Unsolicited drop-offs of meals are not encouraged and we ask you to connect with a member of the philanthropy team before coordinating a delivery.
• All meals must come from a Serv-Safe restaurant or caterer. Due to heightened infection prevention protocols, homemade meals are not accepted.
• Meals that are individually wrapped (sandwiches, individually boxed lunches, individually packed containers of pasta or soup) are encouraged. Family style catering trays, pizzas and other shared items are discouraged in adherence with our infection prevention protocols.
• In addition to meals, we can also accept the following items as long as they are new in packaging and individually wrapped when possible.
  • Cases of Bottled Water
  • Cases of Bottled Gatorade, Powerade or other individually bottled beverages with a screw top lid.
  • Breakfast Bars, Protein Bars and Granola Bars
  • Snack Packs of Chips, Crackers and Cookies
  • Candy, Mints and Gum

Please contact givinglgh@tuftsmedicine.org with any questions.

Gift Cards

Many have opted to donate gift cards to local businesses as a way to support both our frontline caregivers and the local economy throughout the pandemic. These gift cards are used for a variety of purposes from staff recognition to raffles to providing a meal to a team who could use some cheer. To donate gift cards to local restaurants and businesses, please mail them to the address below and include the COVID-19 Donation Form.

Lowell General Hospital
Attn: Philanthropy Department
295 Varnum Avenue
Lowell, MA 01854

For questions or list of suggested gift cards, please email: givinglgh@tuftsmedicine.org.

Monetary Donations

As the pandemic continues, our needs continue to be great. A monetary donation to Lowell General Hospital allows us to meet the numerous unforeseen costs we have encountered while fighting the pandemic so we can continue to focus on caring for our community. 
Make your donation today.

Donations of PPE (personal protective equipment)

At this time, we are not accepting unsolicited donations of personal protective equipment, hand sanitizer and masks. If you have questions about coordinating donations of this kind please contact givinglgh@tuftsmedicine.org.

Handmade Masks

We have been overwhelmed with the response to our hand-sewn mask-making effort! At the present time, we have enough hand-sewn masks and urge you to consider donating handmade masks to other local organizations.

The CARES Act and Charitable Giving

In March of 2020, Congress passed the CARES Act to help the economy recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation included some changes relative to charitable giving that we wanted to share with you.

Donors Who Itemize Deductions:
For the 2020 tax year, cash contributions to qualifying organizations like Lowell General Hospital can be deducted to offset 100% of your income. Ordinarily, the income tax charitable deduction is limited to 60% of your income.

Donors Who Do Not Itemize Deductions:
Traditionally, only taxpayers who choose to itemize are qualified to deduct charitable contributions. The CARES Act added a provision for 2020 that those who do not itemize can take a charitable deduction of up to $300 for cash contributions to eligible organizations.

Please consult your tax advisor with questions about the CARES Act and how it might impact your individual situation.