SAN BENITO — After a few weeks of organizing, San Benito Rotary Club members delivered face masks to local nonprofits Monday morning.
Dr. Olivia Rivas, incoming president of the club, said their district made money available from a grant proposal to aid those in need of COVID-19 protective gear.
“ We submitted the grant proposal. And we were aware nonprofit groups would be opening around mid-May, and they would need masks and sanitizer,” she said.
Rotary Club members then decided to provide face masks to local nonprofits and a restaurant, including The Conjunto Music Hall of Fame, The Black History Museum, San Benito History Museum, the Boys and Girls Club, the Food Pantry and Blanquita’s Restaurant.
“ Wearing masks is going to be with us for quite a while, but now they have more. It is a small effort, but it is a way to let them know we are here with them during this pandemic,” Rivas said.
The members presented the masks to representatives from each group and took photos.
Each nonprofit got between 25 to 75 masks. Rivas said the club was hoping to buy more, but so far, the grant made it possible to spend $500.
Katherine Torres, Director of the Boys and Girls Club in San Benito, received 24 masks for her staff and members.
Torres said the donation came in handy.
“ We had ordered masks but extras are always needed; we forget them sometimes,” she said.
The club re-opened last week, and this was the first donation it received since reopening.
“ We are super grateful they gave us this with the upcoming summer coming in,” she said.
