ROCKINGHAM — As part of America’s Mask Challenge, HanesBrands Inc. is coordinating with United Way of Richmond County to deliver 46,000 reusable cloth masks.
It’s part of the new mask initiative from United Way, the Business Roundtable, comprising 182 CEOs of large American companies, and the CDC Foundation. The goal is to get 200 million washable face masks to 40 million students, teachers and staff in America’s most under-resourced schools. That translates roughly to five washable masks per person.
The Challenge, which launched on Dec. 9, is expediting mask delivery for the second half of the school year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cloth masks in schools can help slow the spread of the coronavirus, along with other mitigation strategies like hand-washing, social distancing, and regular cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces in schools and buses.
As America continues to grapple with COVID-19 and the resulting health, economic and education fallout, United Way’s focus has been on the disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable. One place to make a difference in protecting students, teachers, and school staff as schools pursue in-person instruction.
Michelle Parrish, executive director, United Way of Richmond County said, “This support from HanesBrands will help ensure our most vulnerable residents have masks to help keep them safe and slow the spread. We urge other companies to join in this effort and take part in America’s Mask Challenge.”
HanesBrands, a leading global marketer of branded everyday basic apparel, is the first company to join the Challenge. Hanes has donated 25 million masks to the Challenge, which are now being distributed. As the Challenge gains traction, Hanes will produce the masks and coordinate with United Way on delivery.
Chris Fox, vice president of 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.”
