Link Transit to Hand Out Masks Friday

Thanks to a tremendous community effort by volunteer NCW seamstresses, Link Transit staff will hand out homemade cloth masks to guests and coach operators Friday, May 1.

Mask distribution starts at 5:45 am will continue until supplies last at Columbia Station. Masks will also be distributed during the 2 pm shift change at Crunch Pak in Cashmere.

“We
wanted to have a May Day Maker’s event,” said Lisa Robinson, a seamstress from
Wenatchee who is helping to coordinate groups of seamstresses. “When I reached
out to Link, they were excited to have the opportunity to help the people
riding the bus stay safe.”

Seamstresses
from Waterville Cares headed by Link board member and Waterville City Council
member Joyce Huber also are contributing to the effort.

The
goal is to complete 1,000 masks for distribution by Tuesday, April 28. This
gives Link staff time to gather and package each mask in a Ziploc bag with
handling and washing instructions.

“We know Link has masks for its coach
operators and other front line workers to use,” said Robinson. “We wanted to
offer up our handmade masks as an additional option. We want to make sure the
Link front line staff know the community cares for them. And we especially
wanted to make sure riders had access to masks.”

Fabric patterns include bright red
with polka dots, chili peppers, unicorns, cars, tires, license plates, etc.
While Link has provided some fabric for the effort, most of the materials have
come from seamstresses’ sewing rooms.

“We are very moved by this donation,” said Link Communications Coordinator Eric West. “The generosity of our community during this challenging time is heartwarming.”

West noted that Link is monitoring its routes, making scheduling frequency adjustments and running larger buses to facilitate social distancing on its vehicles. Information about hand-washing and Governor Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order are either posted or are part of on-board announcements. Link also has instituted stringent daily disinfectant protocols on its entire fleet.

Press release provided by Link Transit