Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Hempstead Town Hall was bustling with patrons and employees. Today, nearly two months into the pandemic, the Hempstead Town Hall parking lot was instead bustling with local scout families eager to pick up materials and get to work making personal protective equipment. Teaming up with the historic Theodore Roosevelt Council, Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin, Councilman Anthony D’Esposito and Councilman Chris Carini have set in motion a plan to fulfill the increasing demand for protective masks. Working with local troops throughout the township, the two officials have supplied an abundance of cloth material that scouts will creatively turn into personal protective equipment. What’s more, the officials unveiled a commemorative coronavirus merit badge that reflects the scouts’ dedication in completion of this project.
“This kind of selfless effort is what makes our township stand out from all the rest,” said Clavin. “The scout troops within our township are stepping up to the plate during this pandemic – and they’re hitting homeruns. We’re proud to partner with the Theodore Roosevelt Council in supplying masks to those in need.”
Scores of proud scout families flocked to the Hempstead Town parking lot today to pick up materials. In order to reduce the risk of exposure, the officials set up a “curbside delivery” for the materials, where the boxes of soon-to-be-PPE were delivered right to the volunteers’ car window. Making reusable masks from cloth and elastic, Hempstead Town supplied each volunteer scout with plenty of materials for up to 100 masks each. The scouts will create the masks following an instruction sheet included with the supplies, and the masks will be distributed to first-responders and essential workers.
“The work that is being done by these scouts is saving lives,” said D’Esposito. “They are proof that everyone has the ability to make a difference in this world, especially when we all need it most. The outpouring of support we received from scouts and scout families is overwhelming, sharing a positive message for all residents in our township.”
Following the pick-up of supplies, the officials unveiled the first-ever coronavirus merit badge – a commemorative patch signifying the scouts’ efforts in protecting the essential workforce and first-responders. Badges will be distributed for participation in this project.
“This much-needed service will do wonders by not only creating protective masks but by also increasing morale for essential workers and healthcare professionals,” said Carini. “These projects are a valuable asset to our community and their work is greatly appreciated by all.”
“Thank you to the Theodore Roosevelt Council and to all of the local troops for volunteering their time to help out our first-responders and essential workforce,” said Clavin. “The personal protective equipment created by these scouts will go a long way in keeping our protectors safe.”
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