Gaughn’s Drug Store piggybacked on initial steps taken by Sam Sivak and Adam Jensen-Withey.

That pair donated a Family Connection Cart to Warren General Hospital so patients could see and visit with family members despite the restrictive visitation policies that have been put in place due to COVID-19.

“When we heard what Sam and Adam were doing for long-term-care residents and hospital patients, we didn’t think twice about getting involved,” Gaughn’s Owner Kelly Newton said. “We immediately contacted Sam to find out how Gaughn’s could donate to the cause.”

They got involved by becoming the donor for a Family Connection Cart for Warren Manor.

Photo submitted to Times Observer Wendy, a resident at Warren Manor, uses a Family Connection Cart to talk to her family with the help of Activities Director Darla.

“We’ve experienced first-hand what it’s like to have a loved one in a hospital for an extended period of time and couldn’t imagine what it would have been like without seeing one another,” Newton said. “The love and support of friends and family are so significant in the healing and coping process. This seemed to be a perfect way to help bring some joy and peace to people in our community during this challenging time.”

“COVID-19 patients have been lucky to connect with loved ones via the Family Connection Carts (FCC) that have been donated by Sam Sivak and Adam Jensen-Withey to healthcare facilities throughout Warren County,” Regional Director of Business Development Kerstin Wyman said. “Gaughn’s Drug Store recently extended that opportunity to include Warren Manor with kindness to the residents and families at this facility.”

“This donation provides a wonderful chance for residents, and their families and friends, to communicate and connect with loved ones at such a hard time,” Wyman said. “It provides comfort and will be such an asset moving forward. This has put a smile on so many faces.”

“Thank you to Scott and Kelly Newton at Gaughn’s Drug Store, and Sam and Adam for such kindness and generosity and coordination to make this happen,” she said. “We truly appreciate it.”