DRAFT_December Newsletter 12.21.20

Scouts Join Effort to Distribute Thousands of Masks to IHSS Clients and Caregivers Embracing their commitment to community stewardship, local scouting troops are helping package masks for some of Riverside County’s most at-risk residents to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Thousands of masks are being sent in packages of 10 by the Public Authority to senior and disabled clients of In-Home Supportive Services. Managers and staff in the Adult Services Division have already volunteered to package some masks, however, two local scout troops recently pitched in. More help is needed. “We are honored to help,” said cubmaster David Crandell of Cub Scout Pack 242 from Grand Terrace. “This is a way our scouts can support at-risk seniors and frontline workers who are supporting them during this difficult time.” “They love serving their community,” said Tiffany Nelson, co-leader for Girl Scout Troop 176. “It’s our tradition to assist DPSS with a service project each year. This was a great opportunity.” The IHSS program provides in-home support services to nearly 40,000 residents of Riverside County. Since December, the Public Authority has mailed 70,000 of nearly 1 million masks to clients. The masks were provided by Riverside County with funds from the CARES Act. “We are grateful for the help we have received,” said Eva Krottmayer, Executive Director of the IHSS Public Authority. “We have a lot of masks still to package to send to clients and their caregivers, who are essential – more now than ever. We want them to have the resources they need to stay safe.”

DPSSNEWS

Cub Scouts and leaders from Pack 242 in Grand Terrace package masks into envelopes for seniors and those with disabilities who receive In-Home Supportive Services.

Donning blue uniforms and masks themselves, more than a dozen scouts from Pack 242 and their troop leaders recently met at Fiesta Village to fill 200 envelopes. An additional 3,000 envelopes were packaged at home by girl scouts from San Gorgonio Girl Scout Troop 176.

Scouts with San Gorgonio Girl Scout Troop 176 work from home to package masks for clients who receive In-Home Supportive Services.

Public Authority is seeking additional volunteers from non-profit, service and faith-based organizations to help package 30,000 envelopes. Interested volunteers should contact Veronica Ortega at veortega@rivco.org

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