The Nebraska Alumni Association is encouraging alumni and friends of Nebraska to help supply reusable, triple-layered cloth face masks to Nebraska children and families in need with the new “Scarlet and Cream Mask Donation” program.
For each high-quality, uniquely designed face mask purchased by Nebraska alumni and friends, the Nebraska Alumni Association will donate one to the Health Center Association of Nebraska to distribute to one of Nebraska’s 65 community health center locations across the state. These clinics provide essential health services to children and families in need.
“We are incredibly thankful for this partnership between the Nebraska Alumni Association and the Health Center Association of Nebraska,” said Amy Behnke, CEO of Health Center Association of Nebraska. “The mask donation program will help health centers address the ongoing need for masks for health center patients, many of whom have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. These masks will allow our healthcare workers to continue to safely serve our communities and provide important protection to Nebraska children and families served by our community health centers. We are grateful for the commitment of our community to protecting frontline workers and families through the donation of masks to our most vulnerable populations.”
“Huskers all stick together in all kinds of weather, and our alumni and friends care about protecting their loved ones and neighbors during the pandemic,” said Nebraska Alumni Association Executive Director Shelley Zaborowski. “The Nebraska Alumni Association is proud to offer a way for Huskers to not only protect themselves and families, but help make our communities safer as well.”
The face masks feature two unique scarlet and cream patterns only available from the Nebraska Alumni Association. They have adjustable ear straps and a metal strip across the bridge of the nose that allows for a snug fit. Support from Nebraska partners Runza® and Firespring have already allowed a pre-order of 200 masks ready to be supplied to Nebraska community health centers.
“We are pleased to partner with the alumni association on this incredibly important effort. Health is at the forefront of everyone’s minds and Husker Nation can rally together to make a really big impact,” said Donald Everett, Jr., President of Runza® National.
“We’ve learned that masks are an absolute necessity in maintaining our health and well-being in the midst of a global pandemic. By supporting a program that makes masks accessible to high-need families across the state, you’re helping make safety a right, not a privilege,” said Jay Wilkinson, Firespring founder and CEO.
This donation program is operated as part of a nationwide partnership of university alumni associations, organized and hosted by the University of Minnesota Alumni Association. Masks will be purchased from a web page hosted by the Minnesota Alumni Market and produced by Synergy Imports of St. Paul, Minn. Proceeds from the purchases will support the Nebraska Alumni Association’s alumni engagement programming and initiatives.
A pre-sale of masks begins now with masks ready to ship in October.
