Rice County Government is asking for donations from residents and businesses of homemade face masks and other Personal Protection Equipment.  The need is great and there is a shortage of these items.

Rice County Emergency Management Director Jenner Hauer-Schmitz issued a news release today (April 14, 2020) with the following information.

"Donations received will be distributed to all First Reponder agencies throughout Rice County including Law Enforcement, Fire and Rescue, and Ambulance Services.  Items will also be distributed to Healthcare Facilities, Nursing Homes, Assisted Living, Group Homes, Childcare providers, School workers providing Childcare and Food services, Food Shelf employees and other Essential employees and Entities that are providing direct services to members of the public."

"Donation items must be in new, unused and unopened condition.  We are looking for items such as:  Homemade Facemasks, surgical style facemasks, N95 Face Masks, disposable gowns, disposal exam style gloves in all sizes, disinfecting wipes, Hand Sanitizer, and disinfectant cleaning supplies."

"Should you have any items you wish to donate , drop boxes will soon be located at the following locations:

  • Lonsdale Police Department, 115 Alabama St. SW, Lonsdale
  • Morristown Public Works/Sheriff's Office Building, 109 2nd St. SW, Morristown
  • Dundas Highway Shop, 590 County Road 1 East, Dundas
  • Rice County Government Center, South Entrance Doors, 320 3rd St. NW, Faribault

"Drop boxes should be installed by April 17, 2020.  Until the drop boxes are installed, you can phone toll-free 1-833-643-7423 to make arrangements to drop off any donation items you may have.

For different patterns and fabric details for homemade masks please check out the  Rice County COVID-19 website for ideas.  Please have homemade masks placed inside Ziploc style bag when dropping them off.

Thank you to all individuals and organizations that have already donated many needed supplies!  You are all helping to save lives!"

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