New Garner business donates gloves in COVID-19 battle

Published by admin on Tue, 03/31/2020 - 12:13pm

Shells by Design of Garner donated 9,000 pairs of gloves to clinics, nursings and the Hancock County Memorial Hospital. The gloves, normally would be worn by Shells by Design employees during production of tart shells and desserts were donated by the company to help in the battle agaist the COVID-19 virus. Pictured: Jacek Nowaczynski, co-owner of Shells by Design stands next to the cases of gloves. Submitted photo

By:

Rebecca Peter

GARNER – A new Garner business has stepped up in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic.

Shells by Design, owned by Jacek Nowaczynski and David Lichtenstein began operation in the former Aspen Hills building at 120 Touchstone Energy Drive In January.

The companyis a provider of innovative tart shell designs and desserts.

When the COVID-19 virus pandemic hit the U.S. orders started to slow and finally stopped coming a week ago.

“That’s why we shut down.” said Nowaczynski. “We were doing so well. We had a 40 percent sales increase compared to last March. Suddenly, everything changed.”

Before the pandemic, Shells by Design employed 23 full-time people. Right now the company is down to a skeletal crew of three.

What the company had in abundance, however, were the disposable gloves that employees wear during production.

Nine thousand pairs to be exact.

“We had no use for the gloves,” Nowaczynski said. “We know there’s a need in clinics and hospitals. We might as well save some lives rather than [have the gloves] sitting on the shelves waiting for production.”

The gloves are the same as are used in hospitals.

With the help of Hancock County Economic Development Director Jill Kramer, cases of the gloves were distributed to Hancock County Memorial Hospital, local nursing homes and the Garner Clinic. Staff also received trays of treats from Shells by Design. The Iowa Special Hospital Clinic at Garner had an adequate supply of gloves, but received treats as well.

“I commend a business like Shells by Design for giving back to our communities,” said Kramer. “They have just started and have the challenge of being a new business.”

In the meantime, Shells by Design is watching, waiting and wondering with the rest of country – just when will they be able to get back to work.