Retailer Rallying To Get 'Vital' Supplies To 'Frontline Workers'

CONNECTICUT — A major discount retailer with several stores in Connecticut is setting up a donation program to get "vital health and cleaning supplies" to "frontline workers" amid the coronavirus pandemic. Ocean State Job Lot is endowing a quarter-million dollars to the efforts and will be taking donations from customers as well.

Ocean State Job Lot officials said the chain will be "using its global supply chain to quickly and affordably source and purchase critical supplies." The supplies include gloves, masks, disinfectants, sanitizers, eye protection, and more from vendors, store officials said.

The supplies will be "immediately" donated to local and state governments, as well as hospital and medical facilities, chain officials said.

"COVID-19 is affecting all of us in every community and Ocean State Job Lot is prepared to do its part to help," said David Sarlitto, the executive director of the Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation. "Our unique buying process allows us the flexibility to move swiftly and purchase the items most in need."

Ocean State Job Lot will contribute $250,000 to a fund dedicated to acquiring the supplies. Customers can contribute at checkout lanes.

Ocean State Job Lot has been deemed a retailer that sells essential goods and therefore has remained open during social distancing restrictions.

"This is an unprecedented time, but we're all in this together," Sarlitto said. "We realize that this is a challenging time for many who are facing unemployment. But we've also seen and heard stories of people looking for ways to help our first responders, who are putting their own lives on the line to help us all. So for those who are capable of giving right now, this is a great opportunity to make your dollar have the greatest impact possible. Job Lot will make sure 100 percent of your donation is used to buy supplies, and we'll use our buying power to get the most for your money."

In Connecticut, Ocean State has stores in:

• Southington
• Manchester
• Enfield
• Windsor
• Windsor Locks
• Wethersfield
• Bloomfield
• Berlin
• Canton
• Bristol
• Meriden
• Naugatuck
• Waterbury
• Torrington