Masks only work if they fit.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, mask wearing has been recommended as an effective method of preventing the transmission of the virus. Many schools have required their students and staff to wear masks while in the building for in-person or hybrid learning scenarios.
But masks only work if they fit. And for a growing number of schools returning to some form of in-person instruction, finding child-size masks was an issue.
The Scott McGilvray Children’s Fund began offering free child-size masks to members in January and has so far distributed close to 4,000 masks to schools across the state. The Fund has another 4,000 ready to distribute later this month and has recently re-opened their website to take on-line orders from members.
“The response has been tremendous,” said George Strout, SMCF President. “We’ve received orders from every part of the state.”
The comments from educators speak for themselves.
- “Thank you! I work with special education students who need to change their mask 2 times a day. I need to have my own supply for these 2 students. Thank you very much!”
- Thank you for this opportunity! My school has many ASD students with ill-fitting masks which inhibits their use. These child size ones will be very much appreciated!
- Thank you. These masks would be so beneficial to our younger students who do not properly fit into the adult-sized masks currently available.
- Thank you! Administration says we never have enough of the child-sized masks. I can attest to that as well.
The Children’s Fund steps in when educators see a need that other agencies can’t fill. Created in 1996 by NEA–New Hampshire, the Scott McGilvray Children’s Fund is ready to assist children and help them be ready to learn because a child’s physical, social or emotional needs should never stand in the way of classroom success. “We help children obtain items or services essential to success in school, including clothes, medical care, food, transportation, or related services not provided by another agency,” said Strout.
The Children’s Fund is still taking orders for masks and is always ready to help educators who see children in need.
Go to their website at www.smcfnh.org for more information, to request masks, to apply for assistance, or to make a donation to help the organization continue its work.