The Riverhead Central School District was presented with a large mask donation from the Riverhead-based Masks for Students organization during the week of Sept. 28.
“We are so grateful for the support of the community,” said Superintendent of Schools Christine Tona. “These masks will go a long way in ensuring health and safety in our schools.”
Masks for Students, spearheaded by parent and PTSO co-Vice President Diane Tucci, provided the district with an initial donation of 2,600 masks. The organization plans to donate additional masks and has a GoFundMe site with a goal of raising $5,000 or 10,000 masks. The majority of the masks donated or 80 percent were all handmade.
“Parents have enough to worry about,” said Tucci. “We want our kids to be safe and comfortable and realize this is going to be an ongoing need throughout the school year.”
Batches of the donated masks were delivered to each school and accepted by the principals.
“The students are truly grateful for the donation of masks,” Phillips Avenue Elementary School Principal Debra Rodgers said. “This initiative by Masks for Students is a true testament to our collective strength and influence.”