ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law alumnus Orlando attorney James Simmons and his wife know the pain of COVID-19 personally.
A family member in New Orleans was overcome by the novel virus recently. This unexpected death motivated Simmons to launch the Feed the ER Project to help others in Orlando.
“My wife’s uncle, Nelson Cosey, passed from COVID-19 two weeks ago. He was a small business owner and a pillar in his New Orleans community,” said Simmons. “FEED the ER is designed to carry on his legacy, to support local businesses like he had, and to thank those who are fighting for people affected by COVID -19, like our family.”
Simmons said the goal is to feed workers at 20 local hospitals, urgent care centers, and testing clinics for 30 days through corporate sponsorships and GoFundMe donations.
“The next 30 days is expected to be the peak of this COVID-19 crisis, and we hope to provide relief to local restaurant owners feeling the financial crunch and provide some support (and energy) to those caring for the sick,” he said
The project launched in Orlando on April 6 and will continue through May 6. Meals are being offered at AdventHealth, Orlando Health and area Urgent Cares.
The organization is comprised of a number of corporate sponsors who are dedicated to this cause. A sponsor list and additional information is on this website www.feedtheER.org.
Simmons graduated from the College of Law in 2010. While on campus, he served as the Student Bar Association president.
“During my time at FAMU Law, it was ingrained in me to help and serve our communities, helping those who need it most,” he said. “I am a Rattler for Justice and I thank FAMU Law for that.”