United Way distributes 380,000 masks to dozens of nonprofits on the Central Coast

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - United Way is making a big delivery.

"There are 379,500 masks that are going to be distributed to our communities," said president and CEO Eddie Taylor of the United Way of Santa Barbara County.

Taylor said it's all thanks to the organization’s partnership with Good360.

"It’s an international product distribution organization. We were able to leverage this purchase through them," said Taylor.

That purchase was distributed at the new Toyota of Santa Maria location to charities, school districts, and more on Friday.

"We are very excited to be here today for the Cover California for masking and letting people know that it’s important to respect and protect our community," said Executive Director Tracy Beard of Solvang Chamber of Commerce.

Good Samaritan Shelter in Santa Maria is one of more than a dozen organizations receiving masks.

"You know it’s really important to keep our population safe. Throughout the pandemic, we’ve had many close instances, and having the proper equipment for clients and staff is really important," said CFO Hector Giron of Good Samaritan.

United Way hopes these supplies will bring organizations together to keep people safe.

"We are hoping to deliver masks to underserved populations in SLO County, meaning the farmworkers, immigrants, Latin Mexican community and more," said Chief Operations Officer Linda Wingert of the United Way of San Luis Obispo County.

The Santa Maria Bonita School District and Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce are also receiving masks for various uses.

"Will be using them and distributing them to staff members or adult visitors on a campus, and anyone who feels like they need it," said Public Information Officer Maggie White of Santa Maria Bonita School District.

"We’re hoping it passes along to some of our locals as well as some of the out-of-towners that are going to start traveling," said Director of Tourism Jennifer Harrison of Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce.

The United Way said groups in both San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties are benefiting from the donation.