MA-Based Company Donates 25k Masks to Providence

PROVIDENCE, RI — As the coronavirus pandemic continues in Rhode Island and concerns grow over the prevalence of more transmissible variants in the state, health officials continue to urge residents to wear a high-quality, well-fitting face covering to help slow the spread of the virus. To help increase access to high-quality masks, a Massachusetts-based company donated 25,000 masks to the city of Providence.

The masks came from AIS, which is based in Leominster and connected with the Make a Wish Foundation. Providence was chosen among other U.S. cities to receive a donation, part of the organization's effort to support ares in need of personal protective equipment during the pandemic.

"Ensuring our community members have access to protective face coverings at no cost is critical as we continue to address the COVID-19 pandemic," Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza said. "Providence is incredibly grateful to receive such a generous donation from AIS."

The donation initiative started in January, when AIS launched the larger "Sew the Masks" campaign with the United Way of Northern Massachusetts. Together with corporate partners, the company has distributed approximately 600,000 face masks to orgnaizations across the country.

"No citizen should be worried about access to personal protective equipment as we continue to fight this pandemic," Bruce Platzman, AIS's president and CEO. “We are grateful to the City of Providence, who partnered with us to be able to support the community with these high-quality, comfortable and reusable masks."

Masks are available to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. They are intended for residents or non-profit organizations of the city in need of PPE. Residents are encouraged to call 311 or 401-421-2489 to reach the mayor's Center for City Services, where they can request a mask or book a vaccine appointment.