Local essential businesses and not-for-profits will now have access to 11,000 new 3-ply masks thanks to a partnership between several local community organizations.
Binghamton Rotary Charities Fund successfully secured $11,000 in combined grant funding to purchase 11,000 masks for Broome, Tioga, Chenango, Delaware, Tompkins, Otsego and Cortland counties. Masks will be allocated to essential, front line small businesses (ideally 50 employees or less) and not-for-profits with a demonstrated need of 3 ply masks for their employees in order to safely conduct operations.
The masks have just arrived at Broome County Michael F. Aswad Emergency Services Special Operations and Training Facility in Endwell. Broome County Emergency Operations Center Logistics Section Chief and Broome Security Director Jim Dadamio has generously offered to help coordinate distribution utilizing New York State Police detail to assist in deploying masks to the various counties.
Contributors to this community service project include Rotary International District 7170, the Binghamton Noon Rotary Club #64, the COVID 19 Community Response Fund and an anonymous donor. The COVID 19 Fund Alliance consists of regional funders including the United Way of Broome County, Klee Foundation, Community Foundation for South Central NY, Decker Foundation, Hoyt Foundation, Kresge Foundation, and the Mee Foundation.
For community members interested in helping fund future rounds of mask allocations, the Binghamton Rotary Charities fund is still accepting monetary donations both by mail to the Binghamton Rotary Charities Fund at PO Box 1330, Binghamton NY 13902-1330 or through their website at www.binghamtonrotary64.com. Contributors are asked to note that their contribution is designated to the Rotary International Frontline Mask Initiative.
“We sincerely appreciate the support of the COVID 19 Fund Alliance,” said Tioga County Legislative Chairwoman Martha Sauerbrey. “We’ve had several requests for masks from our local businesses and not-for-profits to help project their employees. These masks are absolutely necessary to help keep our community safe.”
“The Rotary Club of Binghamton is proud to work with the our Rotary District 7170, the United Way and other community funders to make this delivery and distribution a success,” said Rotary Club of Binghmton President Vikki Collazo.
“We are thankful to this great contribution to our community,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “This helps fill a great need in Broome County as we get through the COVID-19 pandemic and businesses begin to reopen.”
In addition to the various participating community organizations, staff from the office of Senator Fred Akshar coordinated the effort from start to finish.
“We are a strong and resilient community filled with selfless individuals and organizations that truly care for the health and safety of our neighbors.” said Akshar.
Mask distribution by county:
Broome – 3,000
Tompkins – 1,000
Otsego – 1,000
Tioga – 1,750
Chenango – 1,750
Cortland – 1,250
Delaware – 1,250