Hundreds of Meals Provided in Appreciation to Hospital Staff

Donations made by Jesup Charter of the Iron Order Motorcycle Club and other Local Organizations

W. Clement Stone is credited with saying, “If you are really thankful, what do you do? You share.” That is exactly the philosophy exhibited by the Jesup Charter of the Iron Order Motorcycle Club and hundreds of people experienced it first-hand last week. The club spearheaded an effort of providing 370 meals to hospital workers using their club members and local sponsors. Joining in the club’s efforts were Zaxby’s, Tri-Care Ambulance Service, Sheffield’s, Vann’s Barbecue and Absolute Precision Chiropractic. The appreciation lunches for employees were provided during the week and weekend shifts. Any leftovers were donated to Tabitha’s Place in Jesup, where the Iron Order also volunteers through preparing, serving or delivering meals. Their club members are also handy in helping maintain the delivery vehicles of Tabitha’s Place.

Tom Biele, Sr., of the club said, “As the President of the Jesup charter, I can tell you each of us is extremely honored and excited to get the opportunity to show our support and express our gratitude for all that the hospital staff does, on a daily basis, to care for the citizens of our community. Serving a meal is just a small token of our appreciation for all the strenuous shift hours, lack of sleep and stress that is endured for all of us, which is inherent in their chosen profession.” Club Vice President Dave Moody added, “We have the opportunity to give back to the people that make a difference in our community like the folks working at the hospital. Life has slowed down for most people, but not for the employees at the hospital, as they continue to work through the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Hospital CEO Joe Ierardi shared, “We are grateful to the club, Zaxby’s and all the sponsors for seeing to it that our employees were treated to a meal. It’s a big undertaking and we certainly appreciate it.” An appreciation lunch was provided by club members and sponsors for the Thursday day shift, while Zaxby’s provided lunches for the Saturday crew. Meals for area groups like the hospital and other first responders are just one way in which club members serve in the community. In the past year, the club also conducted a poker run to help a citizen with medical expenses, hosted events to raise money for Mission 22 (an organization that combats veteran suicide) and look forward to supporting the Wayne County Toy Drive in the near future. To learn more about the Iron Order, log on to ironordermc.com.