1,000 protective masks donated for Tri-Cities medical crews. Also, gifts to feed those in need

Businesses and other groups are collecting and distributing donations to help meet Tri-Cities citizens’ needs for food, basic supplies and personal protection equipment.

Bechtel donates N95 masks

Tri-Cities emergency responders and health care providers received 1,000 N95 masks this week to help offer protection during the coronavirus.

Bechtel tapped into its private inventory used for commercial projects to donate to the community. It is part Bechtel National’s effort to distribute personal protection equipment (PPE) to communities across the country.

Bechtel employees dropped off the masks as the Franklin County Emergency Management facility in Pasco. The donation was made in cooperation with TRIDEC’s community drive to collection protective equipment for fire and police departments, nursing homes and hospitals.

“A donation of this size is truly an investment in our community,” said TRIDEC President and CEO Karl Dye. “This is another example of Bechtel’s commitment to supporting people and working families in the Tri-Cities. We’re grateful for their leadership and generosity during these uncertain times.”

$10,000 helps community groups

The African American Community, Cultural and Educational Society has donated $10,000 to help people in need in the Tri-Cities area during the new coronavirus pandemic.

It donated $5,000 to Second Harvest, to help feed the hungry. The Helping Hands funds of the Benton and Franklin PUDs each received $2,500 to help pay the utility bills of low income residents.

The group, better known as AACCES, works to help and expand the educational and economic opportunities for the residents of the local African-American community, without discriminating against others, and to promote community interest in the challenges and accomplishments of the African-American community.

United Way raises money for nonprofits

Two Tri-City nonprofit groups are benefiting from the goodwill of the community via the COVID-19 Community Response Fund created by the United Way of Benton & Franklin Counties.

Senior Life Resources Northwest is receiving $3,000 to help provide essential supplies and basic groceries to vulnerable, low-income seniors as part of the Meals on Wheels program.

Meals on Wheels reduced meal distribution because of concerns about exposure to the coronavirus. Instead, they are providing grocery bags filled with household basics.

The Salvation Army gets $3,500, which will be used for buying 50 average-size food boxes that can assist 150 to 250 people. The nonprofit said they served twice as many people food boxes in March than they did the month before.

Yakima Federal funds help feed hungry

Yakima Federal Savings and Loan is pitching in to help feed Washingtonians.

The bank is giving $2,000 each to 10 nonprofits that focus on serving hungry and homeless people in Central Washington.

Groups receiving a donation in the Tri-Cities were St. Vincent de PaulFood Bank, Tri-City Food Bank and 2nd Harvest Hunger Relief.

The donations are in addition to a $5,000 donation distribution in March.

This story was originally published April 9, 2020 at 12:54 PM.