United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut and City of New Britain Distribute Thousands of Face Masks to Protect Against Spread of COVID-19

Oct.20, 2020

New Britain, Conn. (Oct. 20, 2020) — United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut and the City of New Britain partnered today to distribute nearly 10,000 face masks to nonprofits and local organizations for use by their staff and the people they serve. Additional masks were also made available for the general public on a first come, first serve basis.

“We’re grateful to United Way for helping us to connect nonprofit agencies and residents with the face masks to ensure their safety and the safety of others,” said Erin Stewart, Mayor, City of New Britain.

“United Way connects people and organizations that want to give help with those that need help,” said William F. Dowling, Chair, United Way of New Britain and Berlin Regional Advisory Board. “This is a great example of how we make a difference to people who live and work in New Britain.”

As businesses, schools and nonprofit organizations have reopened, the demand for face masks to protect against COVID-19 has increased. Many organizations are challenged with sourcing the personal protection equipment needed to maintain a safe workplace and protect clients.

“United Way is proud to partner with the City of New Britain to help ensure that residents, nonprofit agency staff and the people they serve are safe and healthy as we continue to navigate through the pandemic,” said Paula S. Gilberto, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. “We’re committed to working with our network of nonprofit partners and others to promote public health measures, including wearing face masks.”

Since April, United Way has distributed approximately 30,000 face masks (reusable and single use) to nonprofit agencies and local organizations in central and northeastern Connecticut. United Way is coordinating donation efforts from companies, civic organizations and volunteers. Volunteers interested in making homemade cloth masks can learn more by visiting unitedwayinc.org/donate-masks/.

About United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut

United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut’s vision is a community where opportunities are available for every child to succeed in school and for every family to achieve financial security. United Way brings people and resources together to address immediate needs and finds long-term solutions to challenging problems. United Way does this by investing in programs and services, leading community change initiatives, and mobilizing resources and volunteers to ensure that: children succeed in school; people get jobs and are financially secure; people are healthy; and, basic needs are met during tough times. For more information, visit www.unitedwayinc.org.

Media Contact: Elyssa M. Millspaugh | United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut | emillspaugh@unitedwayinc.org | 860.493.1119