Rep. Linehan Organizes Children's Mask Drive

Press release from the House Democrats Office:

Aug. 30, 2021

Representative Liz Linehan (Cheshire, Southington, Wallingford), RW Hine Ace Hardware, Cheshire Community Food Pantry and the Kubicza family have organized a mask drive for children and adults within the Cheshire community.

“As we return to school this fall, it is imperative that we keep every child in our community safe. The current mask mandate is critical to protecting the most vulnerable children in our schools,” said Rep. Linehan, Chair of the Children’s Committee. “I hope this mask drive will allow all students to feel safe and supported as they go back to school. Back to school clothes and supplies can be costly and I also want to ensure that no parent feels any financial burden due to this important state mandate.”

“The Cheshire Community Food Pantry is grateful to be included in this mask drive. We have already received such generous donations from the community through our 2021 Back To School Campaign, and adding masks will help our families comply with the recent mask mandate while eliminating any unexpected financial costs,” said Kerry Walsh, Executive Director of the Cheshire Community Food Pantry.

“Hines Hardware is happy to host a drop site for the mask drive. Together we will make it easier for Cheshire students to return to school safely,” said Pat Bowman, Owner of RW Hine Ace Hardware. “Hines is all about community, and we’re proud to join Representative Linehan in supporting the community which has always been there for us as a long-standing business in Cheshire.”

Last week, Gov. Lamont announced that the Connecticut school mask mandate will continue for all K-12 students this fall. To ensure every child has a mask, Rep. Linehan has partnered with RW Hine Ace Hardware, Cheshire Community Food Pantry and the Kubicza family to organize a mask drive.

The mask drive launched Aug. 26. Both child and adult size masks will be accepted. All mask donations will be distributed between the Cheshire Food Pantry, Cheshire schools, the Yellow House, the Cheshire Senior Center, and the YMCA.

Those willing to donate in-person may do so at RW Hine Ace Hardware at 231 Maple Ave, Cheshire, CT. by purchasing a special box of 50 masks for only $5, and dropping the masks in the donation bin on-site, starting Monday August 30th.

Individuals may also purchase masks through Amazon Smile to send directly to the Cheshire Food Pantry for distribution to all beneficiaries. Additional drop off locations may be added. Please follow @RepLinehan on Facebook for continuous updates.

This press release was produced by the House Democrats Office. The views expressed here are the author's own.