A Dansville group is raising funds to honor the employees of the Livingston County Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Mount Morris.

"There was probably 25 different comments of people saying how amazing the workers are here," said Karie Frisiras marketing director of Dansville Strong.

She said it started as an idea to give individual essential workers restaurant gift cards.

Then the organization received an overwhelming response on Facebook, calling for all of the employees of the center to be recognized for their work.

Dansville Strong expanded the scope of its fundraiser to be able provide every employee with free meals.

"You keep hearing these horrible stories of loved ones passing in a nursing home and the loved ones can't be with them, so it just breaks your heart to hear those sad stories," said Frisiras. "To know that we have such uplifting stories here in Livingston to know that our loved ones are being taken care for, it just warms your heart."

Frisiras explains that anyone that wants to help in their cause can find their PayPal on their Facebook page Dansville Strong Inc. 

"You don't realize what goes on behind these closed doors," said Frisiras. "They are working very long shifts. Some of them have to stay away from their families. If their families have health risks, they can't be around their children at home. They're making a lot of sacrifices for their job and they are very dedicated to what they do." 

For Frisiras, it's about giving these essential workers one less thing to worry about and to say thank you.

"These elderly people were the ones that would take care of all of us," she said. "Now it's time for us to take care of them and take care of the people that are taking care of them for us."

The fundraiser continues until Friday.

Frisiras also added that a check will be presented to the Livingston County Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation next week.