Hempstead Town Teams With Boy Scouts To Make Masks

HEMPSTEAD TOWN, NY — Teaming up with the local Theodore Roosevelt Council of Boy Scouts, Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin and Councilmen Anthony D’Esposito and Chris Carini have set in motion a plan to fulfill the increasing demand for protective masks. Working with local troops throughout the town, the officials have supplied an abundance of cloth that scouts will turn into personal protective equipment. The officials also unveiled a commemorative coronavirus merit badge that reflects the scouts’ dedication in completion of this project.

“This kind of selfless effort is what makes our township stand out from all the rest,” said Clavin. “The scout troops within our township are stepping up to the plate during this pandemic – and they’re hitting home runs. We’re proud to partner with the Theodore Roosevelt Council in supplying masks to those in need.”

Scores of scout families flocked to the Hempstead Town Hall parking lot to pick up materials. In order to reduce the risk of exposure, the officials set up a “curbside delivery” for the materials, where the boxes of soon-to-be-PPE were delivered right to the volunteers’ car windows. Making reusable masks from cloth and elastic, Hempstead Town supplied each volunteer scout with enough materials for up to 100 masks each. The scouts will create the masks following an instruction sheet included with the supplies, and the masks will be distributed to first-responders and essential workers.

“The work that is being done by these scouts is saving lives,” said D’Esposito. “They are proof that everyone has the ability to make a difference in this world, especially when we all need it most. The outpouring of support we received from scouts and scout families is overwhelming, sharing a positive message for all residents in our township.”

Following the pick-up of supplies, the officials unveiled the first-ever coronavirus merit badge – a commemorative patch signifying the scouts’ efforts in protecting the essential workforce and first-responders. Badges will be distributed for participation in this project.