$1M In PPE Being Distributed To Coachella Valley Businesses

PALM SPRINGS, CA — A nonprofit focused on economic growth in the Coachella Valley announced Wednesday that more than $1 million in personal protective equipment will be made available to local small businesses.

The Coachella Valley Economic Partnership is set to distribute more than 1.4 million face masks, 96,000 bottles of hand sanitizer and 40,000 face shields as part of its "Million Mask Giveaway" aimed at assisting businesses struggling to stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic.

"This initiative means businesses do not have to worry about spending their own money on PPE.

By partnering with all nine cities, it demonstrates what we can do when we work together as a region," said Joe Wallace, the nonprofit's CEO and chief innovation officer.

The supplies were provided by the California Office of Emergency Services following a request by the nonprofit.

The PPE, now sitting in a local warehouse, will soon be distributed to the Coachella Valley's nine incorporated cities based on the number and type of businesses and each city.

Supplies will also be given to Joshua Tree Gateway Communities, some local health care workers and to regional farm workers, although details on how those donations will be handled were not provided.

Distribution details can be found at https://cvep.com/millionmaskgiveaway/.