Dr. Will Austin, President of Warren County College, quickly responded to the county’s call for medical supplies. The college, with its extensive nursing, medical assisting and other healthcare related programs, had a supply of needed products such as masks, that the county sought in order to help combat the Coronavirus. The college donated that supply to the county.

The college then took it a step further as it realized that many of its students – and staff, and other needy folks in the community – were also in need of certain supplies. In an effort to help, the college, in partnership with Attorney Doug Steinhardt and his law firm, initiated a weekly program to distribute “goodie bags” to people needing items such as paper towels, toilet paper and in some cases, $25 gift cards from ShopRite of Greenwich. This past week spaghetti dinners were included in the packages which have been distributed at the college’s Washington Township campus.  

Dr. Austin, along with college employees Samir Elbassiouny, Dennis Florentine, Sharon Hynson, and Melvin Warren, and also Dr. Phil Linfante, Chair of the Board of Trustees, have tirelessly given out the bags to students arriving in cars – thus keeping social distancing. 

In the first week Dr. Linfante knew right away that something special was happening. “The thanks and smiles and some tears were so moving.  It made me understand how much we need to come together during this challenging time and help our WCC family. WCC is a great institution that has moved quickly before all the others putting the safety and welfare of students, faculty and staff first.  I am proud to be part of this team. Also I want to thank our board attorney, Doug Steinhardt and his firm for contributing to the cause, ShopRite for matching our purchase of gift cards, and our tremendous and supportive Board of Trustees, and the best faculty and staff in our NJ sector.” 

Dr. Linfante wasn’t the only trustee to assist in the effort. In fact, every trustee participated in one way or another. “It has been a group response,” said Dr. Austin. “It says something about the people associated with this college.”

Photo above, Dr. Will Austin, President of WCC, Melvin Warren, WCC Security, and Dr. Phil Linfante, WCC Board of Trustee Chair, take part in WCC’s donation program; Photo here shows cars lined up, waiting to receive “goodie bags.”