Salvation Army, Ford provide 1.3M free masks for Arizona communities

PHOENIX — Those in need of a face mask for protection against COVID-19 can visit Salvation Army units and family thrift stores across the state to receive one for free through a partnership with Ford Motor Company.

The two teamed up to provide more than 1.3 million masks to communities across Arizona, according to a press release, as part of Ford’s #FinishStrong initiative calling for people to help protect each other until COVID-19 vaccines become more widely available.

“It was a natural fit for us to partner with The Salvation Army on this effort, as it’s an extension of the partnership we already have in place supporting their annual water drive efforts, Thanksgiving turkey drive and Red Kettle campaign,” Brad Jones, Phoenix regional manager for Ford Motor Company, said in the release.

Volunteers with the Salvation Army on Tuesday handed out thousands of masks at headquarters in Phoenix, Surprise, Mesa and select Valley Ford dealerships in addition to locations in Tucson.

The Salvation Army said there are hundreds of thousands of additional masks still available throughout Arizona and people are advised to contact their local branch for more information on receiving a free mask.

Ford has produced millions of personal protective equipment since the COVID-19 pandemic began last year, according to the release, delivering more than 70 million masks to nonprofit organizations, state and local officials, first responders, schools and community groups.

The car company plans to hit its goal of producing 120 million medical-grade masks for donation nationwide by the middle of this year.

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