MUKC REQUESTS MASKS FOR ALL IN KANE COUNTY

Mask Up Kane County is a grassroots organization dedicated to ensuring every person in Kane County who needs a mask has a mask. Over the last three months, MUKC has provided over 60,000 masks to area healthcare providers and nonprofits. Our grassroots group of over 400 volunteers has been completely self funded, crafting masks for 23 cents per mask who are then distributed through local nonprofits organizations.

We applaud Kane County Board’s dedication to the safety of our community with the allocation of five million dollars to PPE through CARES Act funds. We have witnessed daily the dire need for masks within our community, and the continuing need to protect the health and welfare of every member of our community. As there is currently discussion of how these funds should be appropriated, we wanted to share our insights and experience from providing PPE throughout Kane County over the last three months.

We are are respectfully requesting nonprofits and school districts receive first priority for a full supply of masks for 12 months in the distribution of these funds.

MUKC has provided masks to over 20 nonprofits, from shelters to soup kitchens and food banks. We are asking Kane County nonprofits who provide medical, shelter, and food assistance be given masks for the use of their staff and clients. These organizations are deeply committed to those they serve, we know their established distribution systems are most effective to ensure these masks are placed with those in need.

With the students returning back to school, we feel strongly every effort must be done to ensure PPE of our students regardless of financial background. We are asking masks be allocated to each school district within Kane County for projected student need by district request.

To date, MUKC has provided 60,000 masks for approximately $14,000. While we know the county will not be able to provide masks within our same cost structure, masks in bulk orders can be purchased for under 50 cents per mask. Even with the overhead cost of distribution, we know our ask is well within a small amount the overall PPE budget. Ensuring the safety of our most vulnerable will also ensure the safety of every member of our county.

Our organization is also offering to be part of the distribution at no cost for labor or time so we can continue our unwavering commitment to provide PPE to all in need in Kane County.

We are thankful for each member of the Kane County Board for their dedication to the needs of our community.

Respectfully,

Members of Mask Up Kane County and Kane County Residents