A committee of Perry stakeholders got together for some fundraising recently, and the result is 6,000 face masks that will be distributed for free to the community.

The initiative was organized by DMACC VanKirk Career Academy Director Eddie Diaz, Chamber of Commerce Director Lynsi Pasutti, City Administrator Sven Peterson, and Dallas County Emergency Medical Services Director Mike Thomason as a way to give everyone in the community a way to protect themselves from COVID-19. They organized a fundraising effort that led to the purchase of the masks from Perry business TC&B Corporate Wearables, which switched up its usual production to make the masks. The masks were delivered Friday, and will be distributed now through Tuesday at various locations.

Distribution times include: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. today at the Fareway parking lot; Sunday from 1-4 p.m. at the Hy-Vee parking lot; Monday from 10:30 a.m. – noon at Perry Elementary and High School during the grab-and-go meal distribution, as well as at the Perry Public Library from 4-7 p.m.; and Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Perry Food Pantry. Additionally, several local businesses, including Ben’s Five and Dime, Perry Perk Coffee Shop, Mex-To-U Restaurant, Oasis Market, El Rey Market, Tin Pig Tavern, and the Bluejay Market, will have a limited quantity of masks starting today.

Community members are advised to consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for guidance on the use of cloth masks. They are also encouraged to post pictures of themselves wearing the masks they receive on social media, using the hashtag #weareperry.