Local Tamaqua businesses continue to generously pitch in.

A group of 10 restaurants donated a “lunch bomb” to St. Luke’s Miners Campus on Tuesday.

“In recognition of your service to our community, on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re teaming together to show our appreciation,” a press release to the hospital said. “We know that elevated precautions have meant long hours under high alert conditions and we can only imagine how stressful this is for you and your family.”

The Tamaqua and Lansford-based group of restaurants included Basile’s Italian Delight, Two Kings Pizzeria, La Dolce Casa, Luigi’s Brick Oven Pizzeria, M & I Deli, Marco’s Pizza, Padora’s Bakery, Tommy’s Italian Specialty Shop, Leiby’s Ice Cream House & Restaurant and Sister’s Cantina.

“They were very thankful,” said Cary Bates, owner of Sister’s Cantina. “We just went in the main entrance of the hospital. It’s obviously one of the safe zones because everyone is going into the emergency room. Seeing everyone in their masks walking through there is kind of surreal. You see about it on TV and hear about it, but to actually go over there and see it firsthand makes it hit home. I’m only five minutes from there, and people I think are maybe finally realizing that it’s here.”

Bates loaded up a ton of delicious cooking to donate. The collective goal between the 10 restaurants was to feed all of the St. Luke’s employees and then some.

“We’re known for chips and salsa,” Bates said. “It’s always been a staple at our place. I’ve been working and introducing some smoked items to our menu. I just took out some pulled-pork sandwiches. I smoked a couple of turkeys, so I made a few turkey and bacon wraps. They were trying to make enough so there would be leftovers to take home to their families. The idea was for each of us to try to make food for 50 people.”