Free Face Masks To Be Given Away In Cleveland

CLEVELAND — Free face masks will be available at a "Giving Tree" in Cleveland starting July 17.

The Giving Tree Project, which has previously started Giving Trees in Lakewood and Rocky River, is starting its third tree on 17325 Lorain Avenue in Cleveland. Masks will be hung on the tree for the taking and are intended for community members who cannot afford or do not have access to masks.

There will be a ceremony christening the tree at 3 p.m. on Friday. State Senator Nickie Antonio, Cleveland City Councilperson Charles Slife and local attorney Kira Krivosh will speak during the event.

Masks are free for residents. Each person should take only take two masks. Masks should be washed before their first use.

The Giving Tree Project began when Krivosh and Antonio began sewing and donating face masks to their communities. The two began working together to create a network of volunteers to sew masks for Ohioans.

The first Giving Tree is located in Rocky River and began distributing masks on May 28. The group has already distributed hundreds of free face masks to Ohioans.