The word “unprecedented” has been used to describe the COVID-19 pandemic; this is certainly true. Never has the world changed so quickly as in the last three months. And yet, in the midst of tragedy and uncertainty, we see countless stories of kindness and humanity, from neighbor helping neighbor to companies stepping up to help those in need.
Team Wendy is adding its efforts to the fight. The company – a critical supplier to our nation’s military, law enforcement and first responders – purchased 1,100 yards of plain weave white cotton, 800 yards of twill weave green cotton and 93 rolls of a shoelace material – enough fabric to make 10,000 cloth masks. The masks will be donated to Cleveland-area hospitals on a weekly basis.
Team Wendy is headquartered is in Cleveland, OH. Cuyahoga County leads the state of Ohio in coronavirus cases.
“We love our city, our state and this nation,” said Team Wendy CEO Jose Rizo-Patron. “We are ready to bring our experience protecting essential personnel to the fight against COVID-19. But, the health and well-being of each team member is our top priority.”
Team Wendy is operating with only essential employees onsite. Included are several dozen professional sewers. The company says a normal day for them might be to stitch chin straps that holds a helmet on the operator’s head. But these days are far from normal for our country. So, early last week, members of this team transitioned from their typical tasks to sewing cloth masks.
Team Wendy adheres to the directive of national, state and local leaders while continuing to serve the needs of the men and women who are on the front lines.
“I am so proud of this team,” Rizo-Patron said. “We humbly thank all essential workers across the country and around the world for their efforts.”