Continued support services in place to help vulnerable populations thrive in the new norm

The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) and Magid, an Illinois-based manufacturer of personal protective equipment (PPE), are partnering to distribute 300,000 masks to the 360 local, non-profit organizations that receive funding from DFSS for children and youth services, homeless services, domestic violence services, senior services and workforce development. Magid and AOK Tooling Limited is donating the FDA-approved, non-medical, reusable surgical masks to assist DFSS and its network of delegate agencies in serving Chicago’s most vulnerable populations.

“We are excited to partner with Magid and AOK Tooling Limited to distribute masks to the non-profit agencies we support in communities throughout the city,” said DFSS Commissioner Lisa Morrison Butler. “I am grateful for Magid and AOK Tooling Limited’s generous donation. As Chicago begins to cautiously re-open, this incredible contribution means our non-profit partners can supply both their staffs and the vulnerable residents they serve with masks to help keep them safe.”

Magid has donated more than half a million pieces of personal protective equipment to organizations in need. The donations are helping to keep medical workers in area hospitals and first responders safe, including the Chicago Police Department and the Chicago Fire Department.

“Throughout this pandemic, our organization has been focused on how we can practically help our community. Our family-owned business has been a part of Chicagoland for more than 70 years and we feel it’s simply the right thing to do to give back and help keep this region safe,” said Greg Cohen, CEO of Magid. “DFSS plays a critical role in the lives of so many children, families and individuals facing serious obstacles. The people working with DFSS are also on the frontlines, and our donation will help them carry out their crucial work this summer.”

As the response to the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, DFSS and its network of delegate agencies will continue to ensure an equitable, compassionate response to the City’s most vulnerable residents by providing alternate emergency homeless shelters, weekly outreach to encampments and public transit platforms, home-delivered meals for residents who are at least 60-years-old and may be frail and/or homebound because of illness or disability, and domestic violence support through the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline at 877-863-6338 (TTY 877-863-6339).

As the City prepares to transition into phase three and begins cautiously reopening, all residents still need to take proper precautions. As more businesses begin to open and people go back to work, it is crucial to continue social distancing, wear a face covering, and practice good hand hygiene to protect ourselves and those most vulnerable. Anyone who is sick or has been exposed to someone known to have COVID-19, please stay home and ask a doctor if a test is needed. COVID-19 testing is free and available to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay or immigration status. For the latest updates and available resources, always check chicago.gov/coronavirus.

About Magid
Since 1946, fourth-generation and family-owned, Magid and leads the safety industry with revolutionary innovations in PPE, a team of safety experts, skilled in-house manufacturing, and a worldwide network of suppliers. We source or develop everything you need to keep your workers safe at competitive prices. Providing true expertise and personalized service, we answer your questions, conduct onsite assessments, and tackle your toughest safety challenges. At Magid and AOK Tooling Limited, safety isn’t just a job, it’s our legacy! For more information, contact us at 800-444-8030 or visit www.magidglove.com.