A GoFundMe fundraiser started by Gary Shumate, a Coatesville High School graduate, has surpassed its goal many times over and has so far helped feed thousands of healthcare workers, writes Fran Maye for the Daily Local News.

The crowdfunding project aimed to raise $1,000, which would be used to provide meals from local restaurants to hospital employees and help both in the process. However, this initial target was exceeded within a few hours.

“It’s been amazing, and I never expected it to explode like this,” said Shumate. “This just shows the community can come together and solve our problems and help each other in a time of need.”

Soon after it started, the fundraiser went viral and managed to raise more than $12,000. So far, the money has been used to feed medical staff in 18 different facilities, including Phoenixville Hospital, Brandywine Hospital, and the Coatesville VA Medical Center.

“This is a great example of how the community is coming together during these challenging times to support one another, and everyone at Brandywine Hospital is extremely appreciative of these acts of generosity,” said Vik Acharya, interim president and CEO at Brandywine Hospital.

Read more about the fundraiser in the Daily Local News here.