77K Free KN95 Masks Distributed By Greater Morristown Org.

MORRIS PLAINS, NJ — An event entitled "50,000 FREE KN95 Mask Giveaway" went beyond the title's expectations in Morris Plains. Local nonprofit POWER CHANGES LIVES INC led the distribution of 77,000 masks.

Organizers distributed about 55,000 KN95 masks and 22,000 Fruit of the Loom washable masks Jan. 17 at the Morris Plains Community Center. The event gave 50 masks each to 1,043 individuals and provided 50 organizations with 500 masks each.

"POWER is committed to the health and well-being of our community," said POWER President and CEO Penelope Lopez. "COVID-19 has claimed the lives of many of our loved ones, friends, and neighbors where we either have personally experienced or know of someone we’ve lost to this pandemic. Using our partnerships and financial resources, we are able to provide access to PPE products that can save lives."

People lined up by 2:30 p.m. for the 4 p.m. event, but all attendees left with masks, according to Lopez. She also said the following:

"If anyone is a Senior citizen and could not attend the event for any reason, we will mail them out to them free of charge. They should email us at masks@powerchangeslives.com . We are working with our network to receive more masks. We are currently planning to host future events for additional mask distribution as well as flu and COVID-19 vaccinations through our community partnerships. The public should visit our website www.powerchangeslives.com and subscribe to receive updates through our email list."

POWER gave shoutouts to the following people:

• Morris Plains Mayor Jason Karr "for his continued support of our programs to serve the community and the state-at-large."
• Morris Plains Police Chief Michael Koroski for providing onsite manpower and traffic control.
• The Morris Plains Recreation Department serving as volunteers at the event.
• POWER's network of volunteers.

Click here to volunteer at upcoming events, and click here to donate.

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