Chinese-Americans Donate Nearly 2,000 Masks To Beachwood

BEACHWOOD, OH — Nearly 2,000 surgical masks were donated to the city of Beachwood recently. The masks were gifted to officials by a consortium of 10 Chinese-American families living in Beachwood.

The masks will be given to first responders, essential city employees and residents who are at high-risk should they contract the new coronavirus, COVID-19. Elderly or immunocomprimised residents seeking masks should call 216-292-1970.

When the COVID-19 outbreak began in Wuhan, China in late January, the news startled the world. For Chinese-Americans, it was particularly mortifying.

"As we have relatives and friends in China, we paid close attention to what happened in Wuhan and in China starting in late January," said Ming Li, one of Beachwood residents who donated masks to the city. "We saw the tragedies, sufferings, and sacrifices and felt their pain."

Within weeks, the virus arrived in the U.S., bringing with it an unprecedented response. Cities have been effectively closed down, Americans are being urged to stay home and "flatten the curve" and every hospital, city, state and government agency is seeking protective equipment for first responders.

Li and the other Beachwood residents knew they could help. They wanted to step up for their community in a time of crisis.

"We knew face masks would be necessary for some circumstances but unfortunately, there was a shortage in the United States," Li said. "Getting face masks to those in need would be a meaningful way to help at this very moment, so a few of us started to source them from China."

Their efforts paid off. They secured 1,910 surgical face masks and donated them all to the city. As the pandemic continues to fundamentally alter everyday life, and threaten Americans, Li and the other residents will continue to try and bring masks stateside.

“This generous act truly defines being a good neighbor: these families are concerned about those most at risk in Beachwood and independently took steps to help save lives. I look forward to
properly recognizing them when the time comes that we can all be together,” said Beachwood Mayor Martin Horwitz.