North Memphis officials want to distribute free masks
North Memphis elected officials have launched a fundraising campaign to provide up to 5,000 free face masks for constituents in their communities who may not have access to one otherwise.
The “Masks for Memphis” fundraising campaign started Thursday, April 30. The goal is to raise $25,000; purchase masks being sewn by individuals in the elected officials’ districts and distribute those masks for free to those in need.
The organizers behind the fundraiser are Memphis City Councilwomen Michalyn Easter-Thomas and Rhonda Logan and State Representative Antonio Parkinson.
“We want to make sure when things open up that we’re prepared,” Easter-Thomas said.
While wearing masks or face coverings is not mandatory, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland has strongly recommended those going out in a public wear one.
Wearing a face mask is seen as one way to reduce contracting or transmission of coronavirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Masks provided through the fundraiser will be washable and reusable. Each of the elected officials involved in the project and others in the North Memphis delegation are donating to the fundraising campaign, according to the release. They are also requesting funds from both private and public donors to reach its goal of $25,000.
Local crafters are being sought to sew and package at least 5,000 masks and will be compensated. The plan is to distribute those masks during a drive-up/walk-up event in mid-May. Seniors and disabled persons may have their masks delivered to their homes.
The elected officials are partnering with several nonprofits in the area including Our Grass Our Roots, the Raleigh Community Development Corp., Legacy of Legends CDC and A Better Memphis. Impact Baptist Church and Real Life Ministries are also involved on the project.
For those who want to donate to “Mask for Memphis” here are several ways listed below. For more information, check out the “Masks for Memphis” Facebook page.
GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/masksformemphis
CashApp: $OGORMemphis
PayPal: paypal.me/ogormemphis
Post Mail Checks: Our Grass Our Roots, P.O. Box 40104, Memphis, TN, 38174
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Masks for Memphis pandemic coronavirus Face Masks North MemphisOmer Yusuf
Omer Yusuf covers Bartlett and North Memphis neighborhoods for The Daily Memphian. He also analyzes COVID-19 data each week. Omer is a former Jackson Sun reporter and University of Memphis graduate.
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