United Airlines Partners With City of Chicago on Donations for COVID-19 First Responders and Patients

CHICAGO, April 10, 2020 /3BL Media/– United Airlines has partnered with the City of Chicago to provide supplies for COVID-19 first responders and patients. The airline has provided 31,000 pounds of food, 1,700 amenity kits and 250 sets of headphones. These donations will be used at Salvation Army Freedom Center, Northwestern Hospital, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Chicago Food Depository and for frontline medical professionals who are assisting COVID-19 patients in Chicago.

“Chicago’s healthcare professionals and first responders have been our heroes in this fight as they continue to work on the frontlines to combat the spread of this disease and keep our residents safe,” said Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. “Just as they’ve been supporting us, it’s our job to support them. I applaud United Airlines for stepping up and doing their part with these contributions to our area hospitals and community centers. We are all in this together, and by working together we will get through this crisis and get our city back on track.”

The United amenity kits include hygiene and self-care products that the airline provides customers traveling in its Polaris business class cabin and premium cabins. The kits will be delivered to several Chicago hotels currently serving as temporary housing sites for healthcare workers and public safety workers who serve on the frontlines of the citywide health response. These hotel sites were arranged by the City of Chicago to allow workers a place to rest without putting their families at risk for COVID-19.

The food donation came from the airline’s Chicago catering operation and, in partnership with Sodexo, from United Clubs and the Polaris lounge at O’Hare International Airport. The disposable headphones were donated as a result of a direct ask from a customer whose loved one received treatment at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. Patients at the hospital will be able to use the headphones as a private and sanitary way to enjoy entertainment while receiving medical treatment. 

“During these challenging times, our team members across the network are looking for ways to give back and do our part to assist the communities we serve,” said Sharon Grant, vice president and chief community engagement officer at United. “Donating food, amenity kits and more to these organizations is just one small way we can do our part to make every action count and help organizations on the frontlines.”