restaurants right here in Memphis.” The initial idea of selling the masks previously purchased through an existing logistics channel in China quickly turned into one of generosity as the group began looking for the ideal place to donate 5,000 masks. “I phoned Ken Moody, who is one of Mayor Jim Strickland’s Special Assistants, and shared our idea with him,” said Kent. “The first idea Ken suggested pointed right back to the police department, but I wanted to give these masks to people who may be considered to be less fortunate financially, but who still have financial and other health-related needs. Our call ended with me thinking there has got to be another way to accomplish this goal.” Kent received a call from Moody a few days later and he soon learned that Moody had struck gold. “Ken asked me if I could donate the masks to the Memphis Housing Authority (MHA),” said Kent. “Well, we were only going to give 5,000 masks, but MHA board member, Attorney Justin Bailey informed me that there were twice as many residents living in government housing.” Kent felt like the gold had turned out to be pyrite, nothing but fool’s gold because 10,000 people could not be adequately served with only 5,000 face masks. Kent and his partners went back to the drawing board and because of the relationship they had in China, they were able to quickly purchase another 5,000 face masks to accommodate the MHA residential housing capacity. “I never intended for any publicity to be delivered about this opportunity, said Kent. “We were not at all interested in everyone knowing what we had done. We were just blessed to be able to give back to those who have patronized us. It was and is truly a gift from our hearts.” MHA developed its’ own strategy for ensuring all 10,000 residents would receive one mask. The CDC recommends everyone should use simple cloth face coverings when in a public setting. If everyone covers their faces, the ability of the virus to spread from person to person will decrease. It is important for everyone to cover their faces because everyone who has the virus does not know they have it and by not covering their face, they are transmitting it to others around them. Regardless, the best way to prevent getting and/or spreading the coronavirus disease is to avoid being exposed to it and to avoid exposing others to it through you. We must all learn the importance of protecting each other and the time to start is now! 9
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