United states
A message from Alanna, regional leader:
I would like to thank everyone, especially United Way Michigan for their generous contributions to our project. In July 2020, the USA was experiencing the worst of the coronavirus. Each mask delivered makes a difference in the health of the community.
The 3,500 reusable masks our international network provided were donated to twelve organizations in Michigan. These include charity organizations that will redistribute the masks to families in need, schools with low funding, learning centers, and essential workers working in delivering food.
​
With many government limits removed and the people left to make choices about precautions, many Americans have returned to public spaces. The face masks funded will directly help thousands of people especially in the onset of a second wave.
​
Thank you again for your support!
​
- Alanna Cooney
the Distribution process
1. Arrival in Michigan
3500 high quality masks were produced in the Tah Tong Textile Factory in Vietnam and shipped to Michigan.
2. Dividing the masks
We received a list of organizations and requested mask quantities from United Way to follow when dividing mask amounts.
3. First delivery to Brilliant Detroit
495 face masks were delivered to Brilliant Detroit, an organization dedicated to building kid success in high-need neighborhoods. Here, the face masks will be added to safety kits by volunteers, and redistributed to families.
4. Second delivery to a temporary united way ppe distribution center, the downtown boxing gym
The Detroit Downtown Boxing Gym is a non-profit organization with a mission to help students be positive and productive members of society. A partnership with United Way turned the Boxing Gym facilities into a distribution center for health products. The staff at the Downtown Boxing Gym will deliver our masks to the remaining 11 organizations.
​
After delivering masks to the Gym, the Senior Director of Strategy, Ms. Leslie Andrews, gave us a tour of the facilities of the gym. The DBG has not only begun to help distribute health products, but has also made changes to their program to continue helping students learn safely.
The designs used for the face masks
Open Hearts Partnering with United Way have provided face masks for these organizations in the USA:
Brilliant Detroit
Community Treehouse Center Detroit
Franklin-Wright
Growing Minds Learning Center Inc.
Joybells Learning Center
Judson Center
Lighthouse Michigan
Oakland Family Services
Paradigm Care & Enrichment
​
Presbyterian Villages of Michigan
Transformation Life Center
Weeschool Preschool