Keeping Our Communities Safe with Personal Protective Equipment

Granite United Way was proud to be a partner in helping residents secure protective face masks. Distribution efforts included volunteers working with local malls, supporters, and service clubs.

When personal protective masks were needed as Simon Malls began to reopen, Granite United Way’s Public Health Network teams procured 100,000 masks to ensure public safety from the National Guard.

“It’s important that we leverage our relationships to help in any way that we can,” said Patrick Tufts, President and CEO of Granite United Way. “We are committed to working with partners to put masks in the hands of as many as we can. As our community begins to reopen, it’s critical that we work together.”

Alex Ray, of Common Man Restaurants, was also able to secure 70,000 masks for distribution. Patrick Tufts and Martha Dickey of Granite United Way joined volunteers from the Manchester Rotary Clubs to distribute masks at the Airport Diner in Manchester. Residents drove up and received the masks in a contact-less manner.

“Countless people thanked us throughout the day,” said Martha Dickey, Director of Donor Relations of Granite United Way, who is also a member of the Manchester Rotary. “When we have the ability to help out, even when it is just providing masks for their families, we are making a difference.”

Other nonprofits that received masks included Lakes Region Community Services, Whole Village Family Resource Center, Children’s Center of the Upper Valley, AHEAD, NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire and Northern Human Services.