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Fueling the Frontlines: Friends raise thousands to help local businesses, feed hospital staff

Posted at 10:48 AM, Apr 10, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-10 10:48:20-04

TAMPA, Fla. — While small businesses are taking a brutal hit as the nation tries to navigate through the unknown of the coronavirus, a local group of friends found a way to fuel funds back to workers — all while saying thank you to our hospital staff.

Julius Tobin and his friends wanted to help but didn't know how.

"I was kind of going mad and trying to figure out how I could help," Tobin said.

Call it timing or a birthday gift, the answer came on April 1, Tobin's 30-ish birthday and Fueling the Frontlines was born.

COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS

"We raise funds to buy large catering meals from local restaurant shops who are in need," Tobin said. "We take those meals, and we work with hospitals, and we go and deliver meals to ER staff or ICU staff."

Through a GoFundMe campaign, close to $6,000 was raised in 72 hours.

In less than a week, more than $12,0000 was available to feed hospital staff.

"There are so many restaurants and people who have reached out already. It's been insane," Tobin said.

Tobin has other plans in the works to help area healthcare workers.

If you would like more information on how to help, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/fueling-the-frontlines.