Free masks, gloves, hand sanitizer being given to Tri-Cities businesses curbside
Free personal protection equipment is being distributed to small businesses in Benton and Franklin counties June 25-26.
The Tri-Cities Open & Safe Coalition will be giving away packs of face masks, gloves and hand sanitizer from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday and Friday at the Tri-Cities Visitor Center at 7130 W, Grandridge Blvd., in Kennewick.
Eligible business must be from Benton or Franklin counties, provide a business card and sign the Tri-Cities Open and Safe Pledge, which is an effort by the coalition for businesses to show their commitment to following health guidelines during the COVID pandemic.
About 275 packages are available for curbside pickup and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
An initial donation of 10,000 masks from UniFirst Corporation to the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce spurred the chamber to hold a public collection drive in order to support local companies.
The Tri-Cities Open & Safe Coalition was formed in a collaborative effort between the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce, TRIDEC, Visit Tri-Cities, the Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership and the Benton-Franklin Heath District.
Grants help homelessness, hunger
Nearly $400,000 will be given to Benton and Franklin county agencies serving those who are battling hunger and homelessness.
The United Way of Benton & Franklin Counties is organizing the distribution of the grant that was awarded by the federal Emergency Food & Shelter Program administered by FEMA.
Nearly $30,000 of the money will go to Domestic Violence of Benton & Franklin Counties to provide temporary shelter for domestic violence victims while permanent housing is available.
“Domestic violence is aggravated by being isolated together, and by the stress of loss of income and an uncertain future,” said Janet Wildenborg. “We are seeing an increased need for the basics of food and safe shelter and are grateful for the funding to be able to provide that for our clients.”
More than $367,000 will be given to agencies that provide food and diapers to the community.
Virtual Club for kids
Tri-Cities youths can join The Boys and Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties new Virtual Club.
While offices remain closed because of the coronavirus outbreak, staff at the downtown Kennewick office hold a Facebook live show 1 p.m. every Monday through Thursday called Virtual Club LIVE.
In addition to featuring guests on the show, the Facebook platform can be used to interact with the club’s team during the live show.
More than 60 pre-published videos also are available on the club’s website on various education topics, activities and challenges.
The club offers a weekly challenge for all youth, with the winner receiving a gift card from different Tri-City businesses.
Submissions are due each Thursday by midnight, and winners are announced on its Facebook page. Challlenges can be found on greatclubs.org/virtualclubs and completed challenges to virtual@greatclubs.org.
For more information, contact Virtual Club Director Josh Peterson at 408-832-5148 or josh.peterson@greatclubs.org.
This story was originally published June 22, 2020 at 1:55 PM.