Halloween Retailer Switches From Scary Masks to PPE to Help AtlantiCare

OCNJ Daily

During this unprecedented time when healthcare facilities across the country are in need, Spencer Spirit Holdings became an integral part of AtlantiCare’s supply chain efforts. The retailer quickly pivoted from selling scary masks and T-shirts to helping AtlantiCare secure vital personal protective equipment, or PPE. Spencer Spirit Holdings, headquartered in Egg Harbor Township, is parent company to mall retailer Spencer’s and Spirit Halloween. The Spencer Spirit team worked around the clock with its vendors to assist AtlantiCare’s procurement team in securing face masks, hazmat suits, and isolation gowns. “We’re proud to provide a little peace of mind to the real heroes on the front lines in this battle,” Spencer Spirit Executive Vice President Kym Sarkos said in a press release. “We hope with our efforts, alongside other great organizations across the country, we will begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel.” The vital PPE they secured is also going to Shore Medical Center, Cape Regional Medical Center and Bacharach Institute for Rehabilitation. Along with its supply chain assistance, Spencer Spirit also made a $25,000 donation to the AtlantiCare Foundation’s COVID-19 Pandemic Response Fund. “Spencer’s expertise in sourcing and importing was invaluable to us,” said Barbara Young, assistant vice president of AtlantiCare’s Supply Chain and Procurement Services. “They helped us secure products at reasonable prices and took care of all the logistics for us, including sourcing and ordering PPE products, coordinating shipping and navigating customs.” The teams began collaborating on March 22 to identify and secure critical items, and in less than two weeks, the first round of PPE started arriving at the hospital. “Caring for our community is personal for all of us,” AtlantiCare CEO Lori Herndon said. “Even as COVID-19 had a dramatic impact on Spencer’s operations and its own staff, they have made a difference to our patients, their families, our staff and providers. Spencer’s support – and that of other businesses, organizations, and individuals leaves us feeling grateful."