LOUISVILLE, Ky. — 100,000 masks are headed to Jefferson County classrooms thanks to Kosair Charities. The washable, reusable masks were delivered as a part of a community initiative to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

In February, Kosair Charities pledged the large donation of masks and now they have been delivered to the district and will be available to students as a part of the Masks for Kids initiative. In a press release Wednesday, JCPS officials said the donation will ensure "no student goes without a mask." 

“We want to thank Kosair Charities for this generous gift to our students,” JCPS Chief of Schools Robert Moore said. “With many of our students back in the buildings now, access to clean, reusable masks is more important than ever. This is just another example of this organization’s commitment to our community, to our kids, and to doing what’s right when it comes to education.” 

Louisville advocate Christopher 2X’s group Game Changers launched the Masks for Kids community effort as a way to make sure no child would go without a mask as safety measures remain in place against COVID-19. Kosair Charities joined the partnership with a major commitment of 100,000 washable and reusable masks to JCPS.

“As students arrive back from Spring Break, and many back to in-person learning, Kosair Charities is thrilled to provide 100,000 youth masks to help students and their families,” said Keith Inman, president of Kosair Charities. “It’s been our mission for nearly 100 years to enhance the health and well-being of children, and are grateful for JCPS and Christopher 2X Game Changers for their partnership and collaboration in these efforts.”

A total of 262,000 masks have been donated to JCPS as a part of the initiative.