Tough times don’t last; tough communities do.
The Belt has been an important part of its neighborhood during the unprecedented challenge of COVID-19, sharing resources and showing appreciation for those on the front lines, including first responders and health care workers.
The Belt donated 55-gallon drums of hand sanitizer to Chicago Police Department’s 8th District and Bedford Park Police. They’ve also shared sanitizer with multiple area police forces and fire departments, including Burbank, Chicago and Summit; first responders from those locations have made frequent visits to the Belt to replenish their sanitizer bottles.
After learning nurses at Oak Lawn’s Advocate Christ Hospital and Medical Center were short of PPE, the Belt donated safety glasses, masks and gloves, as well as a lunch of sub sandwiches to the team.
Police Chief Gerald Conoboy said he and his teammates noticed many Belt connections — spouses, siblings, children, and parents — perform the most essential roles amid the pandemic. They wanted to do something to recognize those individuals, so they started a drawing. Employees enter a family member working an essential job, and one is chosen at random at regular intervals. That person is presented flowers and a letter of appreciation. So far, the honored include Nakia Cook, a nurse at Saint Anthony Hospital and the wife of Electrician Louis Cook; Michele Gower, nursing director for Fox Subacute skilled nursing facility in Pennsylvania, the wife of Manager of Operational Safety and Compliance Mike Holoweinka; and Cook County Sheriff Deputy Michael Myatt, father of Senior PTC Systems Engineer, Wayside Chadana Myatt.
Chadana thanked the Belt saying she and her father were deeply touched by the gesture.
“Of neighborhoods, benevolence is the most beautiful. How can the man be considered wise who when he had the choice does not settle in benevolence.”
– Confucius
Surgical Intensive Care/COVID Unit at Mount Sinai Hospital, including Kris Ortiz and her manager, Krystal Howard, enjoy lunch provided by the Belt. 
From left Surgical Intensive Care/COVID Uni Manager Krystal Howard, Sgt. Ramon Ortiz and his wife, Kris Ortiz 
Nurse Nakia Cook, right, and her teammates thank the Belt’s people for their support. 
A gift and letter of appreciation for Cook County Sheriff Deputy Michael Myatt signed by Belt Railway Company of Chicago 
Cook County Sheriff Deputy Michael Myatt, father of Senior PTC Systems Engineer, Wayside Chadana Myatt 
Michele Gower, nursing director for Fox Subacute in Pennsylvania, the wife of Manager of Operational Safety and Compliance Mike Holowienk, holds a letter of appreciation from the Belt as her colleagues enjoy lunch provided by the railroad. 
Stickney, Ill., Police Deputy Chief Rich Jaczak stops by to replenish his hand sanitizer.
From left, McCook, Ill., Patrolman David DeLeshe and Stickney Deputy Chief Rich Jaczak
Stickney, Ill., Police Deputy Chief Rich Jaczak stops by to replenish his hand sanitizer.
Advocate Christ Hospital nurses enjoy lunch on the Belt.
Safety Committee Member Matt Davidson, left, and Police Chief Gerald Conoboy give PPE, including safety glasses, masks, and gloves, to Critical Care Unit Nurse Kristen Dahl, Davidson’s daughter, at Advocate Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn, Ill.
Bright Sky Cleaning employees Abel Aguilar and Guadalupe Alvarado were presented with a gift cooler, cups and letter of appreciation from Police Chief Gerald Conoboy for their outstanding dedication and cleaning efforts during the pandemic.