Supplier AST Sportswear, Inc. donated face masks to the public on Saturday at a drive-thru event at its headquarters in Brea, California. For the past several weeks, the company has been using its manufacturing plant and resources to provide face masks to hospitals, first responders and other essential businesses in need. AST Sportswear operates in the promotional products industry as supplier Bayside Made in America (PPAI 213725, S4).

Noting the rise in demand for face masks beyond essential workers, AST Sportswear Chief Operating Officer Abdul Rashid says, “As we’ve been addressing the severe shortage of face masks amongst our medical professionals and essential workers, we know our communities are facing this crisis as well, and it is our responsibility as a community to help out where we can. We are proud to have the support and advocacy of the City of Brea in our efforts to help flatten the curve.”

To maintain CDC standards, during the drive-thru event the public was asked to remain in their cars while volunteers distributed masks. The company pledged to donate face masks—while not medical grade, they are washable, reusable and breathable—to the first 5,000 cars. Mayor Pro Tem Steven Vargas, Mayor Marty Simonoff, State Senator Ling Ling Chang and other elected officials and council members volunteered their time during the event.