Public Works Department employee Stephanie Befumo directs a young donor with cases of water to a table that was set up with a line of bins for donations to the city and non-profit agencies Monday morning. Telegraph photo by DEAN SHALHOUP

“We have what we need, so we figured we’d help out,” Tompkins said as she and Andrew re-stacked the bottled water on a table.

Next stop was the Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter, one of many local agencies looking for help to fulfill their mission of helping others in a time of need.

The two were among dozens of residents who donated items on Monday, the first day of three that city officials will be accepting donations for the city and local agencies.

The personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies sought by the city will go toward supporting city services, public safety, community partners and local nonprofits in response to the threat posed by the virus.

Some of the items that residents donated to the city and non-profit agencies Monday morning are lined up on a table inside a Public Works building. The collection continues today and Wednesday from 9 a.m. - noon at 9 Stadium Drive. Telegraph photo by DEAN SHALHOUP

While navigating a current shortage of supplies, the city is asking for the public’s help in donating items at a drop-off collection site located at the Traffic Building at 9 Stadium Drive.

Public Works employees are in charge of the collection, which takes place today and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Each bin is labeled for specific items, and cones will be set up to help direct the flow of traffic.

DPW Public Relations Administrator Lauren Byers said things went very well on Monday’s first day.

“I think people really dug deep and were very generous, and I think that we all appreciate what our first responders are doing for us, and people are showing that by donating what they can,” Byers said.

Jenna Tompkins and her son, Andrew Cullinane, load cases of bottled water onto a table at the Public Works Department's collection site, where residents donated goods ranging from water, paper items and protective gear to the city and various non-profit agencies. The donation station will be open today and Wednesday from 9 a.m. - noon. Telegraph photo by DEAN SHALHOUP

She said there is a particular need for protective masks. Byers also said it is not surprising that city residents stepped up and have been dropping supplies off, even if it is just a single pack of masks. If people would like to donate, but are unable to make it out during the collection times, they can email Byers at byersl@nashuanh.gov.

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