As COVID-19 cases continue to climb and our community awaits widespread vaccine distribution, United Way of Southern Nevada (UWSN) and HanesBrands are coordinating to keep local students and teachers safe by distributing 1,711,000 reusable cloth masks for more than 200 schools Title-I schools in Clark County to slow the spread of COVID-19.
This collaboration is a part of America’s Mask Challenge, a new initiative from United Way Worldwide; the Business Roundtable, a group of 182 CEOs from large U.S. companies; and the CDC Foundation. The challenge aims to deliver 200 million washable face masks to 40 million students, teachers, and staff in America’s most under-resourced schools, averaging about five washable face-coverings per person.
According to the CDC Foundation, cloth masks in schools can help slow the spread of COVID-19 and other mitigation strategies like hand-washing, social distancing, and regular disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces in schools and buses. In Clark County, masks are going to 241 Title-I schools, which serve high populations of students from low-income families.
“The safety and well-being of our students and staff is my top priority, especially as we work to overcome the current pandemic,” said CCSD Superintendent Dr. Jesus F. Jara. “Thanks to the generous support of UWSN and HanesBrands, our students will now have an abundance of reusable cloth masks when it is safe to return to the classroom.”
“UWSN, in partnership with HanesBrands, has provided a donation of 1,711,000 washable face coverings to CCSD, which will help our teachers and students stay safe and slow the spread of COVID-19 upon returning to the classroom,” said UWSN President and CEO Kyle B. Rahn. “UWSN is taking every opportunity to provide essential personal protective equipment for the students and school personnel to ensure they are safe once they return to the classroom.”
HanesBrands, a leading global marketer of branded everyday basic apparel, is the first company to join the Challenge. Hanesbrands has donated 25 million masks to the Challenge, which are now being distributed. As the Challenge gains traction, Hanesbrands will produce the masks and coordinate with United Way Worldwide on delivery.
Chris Fox, Vice President Corporate Social Responsibility at HanesBrands Inc., notes, “United Way has led the way in helping our neighbors through the pandemic. We’re pleased to support United Way’s effort to help keep school children safe and healthy as they return to classrooms.”
UWSN continues to stand in the center of our community, and it has strengthened its commitment to supporting the thousands of Southern Nevadans struggling to recover from the pandemic’s health, education, and economic fallout. In the past ten months, UWSN has:
- Raised $2.4 million to assist 127,000 individuals with various essential needs such as food scarcity, impoverishment, and workforce and educational development
- Partnered with more than 200 local and national nonprofits to cast a wide net of services
- Distributed 1,985,000 face coverings and 6,780 bottles of hand sanitizer to create a safer environment for local businesses
- Received $1.7 million in CARES Act funding to provide childcare so parents could return to work
As a nonprofit with over 60 years of experience, United Way of Southern Nevada continues to provide relief and resources for those who need it most in our community. To donate and help families and individuals impacted by COVID-19, visit uwsn.org/DONATE. For more information, please email COVID19@uwsn.org.