O'FALLON, Ill. – A number of credit unions nationally have gotten involved in helping to fill the national shortage of surgical masks during the coronavirus pandemic.
Branches of Scott Credit Union here are acting as collection points for various drives taking place in which people are hand-sewing the surgical masks.
“The initial response has been so great, the hospital is adding more collection days next week,” Fox2 News reported.
More than 500 have already been donated. People are being told not to donate the masks at local St. Elizabeth’s Hospital but to instead use the branches of Scott Credit Union.
Four Florida CUs Covering Costs
Meanwhile, in Jacksonville, Fla., four credit unions-- VyStar Credit Union, Community First Credit Union, 121 Financial Credit Union and Jax Federal Credit Union—are covering the labor costs associated with producing personal protective equipment for use by healthcare workers.
Also partnering in the venture are Ascension St. Vincent’s and Rethreaded. Ascension is providing the material, which is designed to keep out water, bacteria and 99.9% of particulates. Rethreaded staff is taking the materials, sewing them and sending them back to Ascension St. Vincent’s. Rethreaded employs survivors of human trafficking.
“We are proud to partner with Rethreaded, Ascension St. Vincent’s, and each other on this important community effort to help those on our frontlines fight this pandemic,” the credit unions said in a joint statement.