Ocean State Job Lot To Donate $250k For Coronavirus Supplies

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island-based discount retailer Ocean State Job Lot will donate a supply of personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, sanitizers and more to help with the new coronavirus response effort, the company announce this week. These much-needed supplies will be sent to local and state governments, hospitals and healthcare facilities.

Job Lot has stores throughout New England, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Using its global supply chain, the company will "quickly and affordably source and purchase critical supplies," read a release.

David Sarlitto, the executive director of the Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation, said the company is "prepared to do its part to help" and will donate $250,000 to a fund dedicated to purchasing the supplies.

"Our unique buying process allows us the flexibility to move swiftly and purchase the items most in need," Sarlitto said.

Customers will have the opportunity to donate to the fund at checkout registers. Because their stores sell "essential" goods, Ocean State Job Lot stores will remain open throughout the crisis.

"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."