John Wood Community College was a recent recipient of Down Country’s donation of clear masks to Tri-State area schools to ensure no child is left behind due to not being able to see lips. The mask donations are part of Down Country’s #Smile4EveryChild Campaign. JWCC received 2,500 masks.
“This story is what community is all about,” JWCC President Michael Elbe said. “We are strongest together and for a nonprofit to pay it forward in this manner is remarkable. We are grateful for this generous gift and applaud the work of Down Country.”
Down Country’s mission is dedicated to helping provide training and promoting positive awareness for individuals of all disabilities and abilities.
According to president and founder of Down Country Kate Dougherty, almost 20,000 clear masks will be making their way to area schools across the Tri-States. The masks are reusable washable cotton masks with a clear window. The transparent section makes the wearer’s lips visible, making lip-reading and making out the speaker’s facial expressions much easier.
Masks are free to JWCC students and employees. They will be available at the Quincy campus front desk and JWCC’s four regional centers.
To donate to the #SmileforEveryChild campaign, please visit: www.upatdowncountry.com
