Panda Express donates masks and meals to Sanford workers

Restaurant group provides year-round support to Sanford Children's

Written by
June 15, 2020
3 min read
Masked worker displays a poster that says WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER with takout boxes forming a heart shape.
  • SLIDE SHOW: Panda Express workers deliver a poster with a donation of food and personal protective equipment at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. (Photo by Gabrielle Pike, Sanford Health)
    SLIDE SHOW: Panda Express workers deliver a poster with a donation of food and personal protective equipment at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. (Photo by Gabrielle Pike, Sanford Health)
  • Each takeout box came with a note of encouragement. (Photo by Gabrielle Pike, Sanford Health)
    Each takeout box came with a note of encouragement. (Photo by Gabrielle Pike, Sanford Health)
  • Health care workers open donations of KN95 masks from Panda Express outside Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota. (Photo by Jose D. Medina Medrano, Sanford Health)
    Health care workers open donations of KN95 masks from Panda Express outside Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota. (Photo by Jose D. Medina Medrano, Sanford Health)
Masked worker displays a poster that says WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER with takout boxes forming a heart shape.
Panda Express workers deliver a poster with a donation of food and personal protective equipment at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. (Photo by Gabrielle Pike, Sanford Health)

As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting medical professionals on the front lines in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Panda Express has donated 16,320 KN95 masks and 335 meals to Sanford USD Medical Center for protection and fuel when treating members of our community.

Panda Express also donated 17 cases of personal protective equipment to Sanford Health Fargo and Sanford Children’s in Fargo, North Dakota. The donation is made up of 16,320 KN95 masks.

“We are grateful for the donation from Panda Express to help keep our workers safe during this unprecedented time,” said Sanford Health Foundation development manager Hillery Mork. “This is another example of Panda Express’ ongoing commitment to supporting medical professionals on the front lines in Fargo and the surrounding areas.”

Panda Express typically supports the Sanford Health Foundation throughout the year because of their partnership with Sanford Children’s Hospital and Children’s Miracle Network.

“Supporting the health care community has always been a priority for Panda Express, and we are blessed to have a partner with shared values of giving and inspiring better lives,” said Dr. Peggy Cherng, co-founder and co-CEO of Panda Restaurant Group. “It is our privilege to be able to protect and provide comfort to the selfless hospital staff and patients at CMN Hospitals. We thank our guests and associates for their generosity and support that make these donations possible. We stand together to be stronger together.”

For the rest of the year, participating Panda Express locations are offering a 10% appreciation discount on in-store purchases for health care workers and first responders with their employment badge.

Through its philanthropic arm Panda Cares, Panda Express has created a COVID-19 Community Care Fund, in which all guest donations are put towards sourcing and providing PPE to local hospitals in this time of need as well as supporting research to find a treatment for COVID-19. In the midst of this public health crisis, Panda remains steadfast to its evergreen mission of protecting, inspiring and bettering the communities they serve.

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Posted In Community, COVID-19, Fargo, Foundation, News, Sioux Falls

Shawn Neisteadt
Shawn Neisteadt, a senior communications specialist, joined Sanford Health after more than a decade in television and radio in South Dakota and Minnesota. While people may recognize him for his on-air work, most don't know he is a type 1 diabetic, which sparked his interest in health news and led him to his current role at Sanford. He's also very active in the regional auto racing scene and can often be heard on the microphone. You can reach him via his email shawn.neisteadt@sanfordhealth.org.
Nathan Aamodt
Nathan Aamodt is a senior media relations specialist at Sanford Health in Fargo, North Dakota. You can reach him on the Fargo region media line at (701) 200-6080 or nathan.aamodt@sanfordhealth.org.