FAQ
Where will the masks be donated?
We are currently focused on donating masks to people who are immunocompromised and/or are in regular contact with others on the frontlines: healthcare workers, residents and volunteers at homeless shelters, soup kitchen volunteers, first responders, and residents and staff at retirement homes. If hospitals or healthcare professionals request masks, we will provide it to them with priority. Please contact us at info@COVIDResponseNetwork.org if you know of any organizations in need.
What type of masks?
We primarily donate non-medical grade, 3-ply surgical-style masks. While the very limited supply of N-95 respirators and medical-grade airborne filtration masks must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers on the frontlines, the standard 3-ply disposable mask can still help the general public reduce the chance of spreading the disease to others. Surgical masks help reduce exposure of the wearer's saliva and respiration to others that could otherwise travel up to 26 feet. Additionally, surgical masks remind wearers not to touch their mouth or nose, which could otherwise transfer viruses and bacteria after having touched a contaminated surface. Our supplier can also obtain medical-grade surgical masks, the KN95 mask and the N95 mask. We’d be happy to put you in touch with him if you have interest in these medical-grade masks.
Will my donation be tax deductible?
The COVID Response Network Inc. (CRN) is a New Jersey domestic non-profit corporation (EIN 85-0623343). CRN has applied to the IRS for recognition as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and expects a determination from the IRS in a few weeks. Should we receive this recognition, your donation may be retroactively tax deductible. If you wish to deduct your donation from your taxable income, we suggest that you seek advice from a qualified tax professional.
How long does it take for the masks to arrive?
Once we order the masks, they take 5-10 days to arrive. The first 22,000 masks, sent to New York City and Pittsburgh, arrived within a week from the time they were shipped.
Where do you get your masks?
Jacob and Ezra have been working with the same producer in China, Marion, to create Keypers for almost 2 years. In early April, Marion offered to send masks to the US. Since then we have already ordered 80,000 masks, and have been pleased with the quality.
Can I buy a box?
We allocate masks based only on need and availability. We do not sell masks. If you have, or know of, a nonprofit or other similar organization that would be interested in purchasing masks directly from our supplier, we can help to arrange those purchases. We do not provide any goods or services in exchange for any donations.
How far will $1 go?
Buying the masks directly from the factory and donating them at cost, a $1 donation will allow for the donation of approximately 2 masks. Please note that donations are considered unrestricted, and may be used in any manner consistent with COVID Response Network’s legal purpose, which is "to provide, and facilitate the provision of, material and financial support to individuals adversely affected, directly or indirectly, by the novel coronavirus classified as COVID-19."
Who are we?
We are 4 current and recent college students who realized, through our connection to a producer of masks, that we had the opportunity to help slow the spread of COVID-19. If even one of our donated masks prevents someone from spreading or contracting the virus, we believe this whole effort was worth it.