The Salvation Army of Pasco County (New Port Richey, Florida) is doing its part in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic through making face masks for local medical personnel, first responders, essential business employees, and those in their domestic violence shelter.
“We quickly began to realize that masks were greatly needed in our community by those that so tirelessly care for us every day, as well as the most vulnerable that we serve,” says Major Shannon Winters, Administrator for The Salvation Army serving Pasco County. “While many agencies in our area were able to fill in gaps in other areas of need, this need was left unmet.”
Masks have been provided to hospital and NICU nurses, hospice care providers, the local Sheriff’s office, bank tellers, mail carriers, domestic violence shelter residents, and the elderly. They have also partnered with the local homeless coalition to distribute face masks to homeless individuals across the county.
“We knew that we couldn’t cure COVID-19, but we could help ‘flatten the curve’ in our community if we could help provide face masks to those that needed them.” 
The group of makers started out as Salvation Army employees making them during their lunch breaks but has since grown to members of their women’s ministry program as word began to spread about the project.
“As this is an activity that they could safely participate in from a distance, and even from home, it helps volunteers contribute to our service to the community.”
The Salvation Army of Pasco County also offers utility assistance to those impacted by the economic climate, as well as the life-saving service of shelter to survivors of domestic violence and their dependents.
“While it has been said that we are all ‘safer at home,’ to victims of domestic violence, this is not always true. By offering safe shelter and assistance with all human needs, victims are not forced to choose between safety from COVID-19 and safety from abuse,” says Winters.
Click here to learn about The Salvation Army’s response to COVID-19 in Florida.
If you would like to submit a prayer request or a request for one of our pastors to call you for prayer, please visit www.SalvationArmyFlorida.org/pray.
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