Masks for Heroes: A New Collaborative Effort for Those on the Front Lines

Alarmed by the rise of COVID-19 cases in Connecticut and the lack of access to personal protective equipment (PPE), the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven in collaboration with Madison residents Bob and Amy Stefanowski, have created Masks for Heroes. This special project is delivering needed protective surgical masks to hospitals, nursing homes, physicians and first responders throughout Connecticut. Masks for Heroes is a grassroots, volunteer effort that, since Monday, March 30, sourced, bought and distributed nearly 500,000 protective masks to hospital workers, police, fire, nursing homes and other caregivers in over 125 towns across the state.

The need is urgent. Masks and other PPE are running out faster than supplies can be sourced. Masks for Heroes was founded to leverage the resources of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven and the broader Connecticut philanthropic community to expand fundraising and support distribution of the masks. Each mask is sourced at $0.75, a low price in comparison to the going rates of up to $2. One-hundred percent of any tax-deductible gift will go to support medical staff and caregivers throughout the state.

“As citizens of the State of Connecticut, we are called upon at this moment to do all we can to help save lives by stopping the spread of COVID-19; we are proud to partner with Bob and Amy Stefanowski, who are truly inspiring community leaders,” said Judy Alperin, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven. “Amy and I are determined to do everything in our power to help these first responder heroes stay safe and healthy,” said Bob Stefanowski, co-founder of Masks for Heroes.

To learn more and make a tax-deductible gift, visit masksforheroesct.org. Check payable to Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven can be mailed to 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge CT 06525, Attention: Masks for Heroes.