LOWELL, Mass. – If we've learned anything from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is the importance of selflessness. Not only in terms of protecting one another to slow the spread of this dangerous virus, but also by giving what we can to help each other get through these challenging times.
 
In that spirit, UMass Lowell Athletics delivered donated face coverings to community partners across Greater Lowell last week. The donation, which was developed through a partnership between Athletics, the University's Office of Community Relations and University Advancement, and in conjunction with the UMass Lowell Alumni Virtual Village, was part of the Buy One, Give One initiative, which was designed to donate one premium River Hawk branded face covering for every one purchased.
 
"As we all continue to work our way through this pandemic, River Hawk Nation has stepped up again," said Director of Athletics Peter Casey. "With the support of our many loyal alumni, family and friends around the country, we were able to donate face coverings to non-profits and first responders in the Greater Lowell area. It is just one small gesture of appreciation for all the great things they are doing to keep us and our youth safe during these difficult times."
 
The success of the campaign was astounding, as the River Hawks were able to donate 1,000 face coverings back to the community thanks to the purchases of generous supporters.
 
"Our alumni community has always been so supportive of our campus, and this is no exception," commented Executive Director of Alumni & Donor Relations Heather Makrez Allen. "UMass Lowell alumni care about our students and community, and their response to this face covering initiative validates that pride and commitment we all share."
 
With the drop-off team led by Rowdy the River Hawk, the donations were hand delivered to several organizations around the area.
 
"We've had a long partnership with UMass Lowell Athletics and people may think that those partnerships go away during a pandemic because nothing's happening, but the outreach that we've gotten from student-athlete volunteers, as well as the department, has been wonderful," explained Joe Hungler, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lowell. "These masks are great because our kids and staff wear them eight hours a day and they're very happy to be able to have an extra to make sure they can stay healthy."
 
YMCA Administrative Director Chantelle Outlette echoed Hungler's sentiments about how helpful the face coverings are for community organizations in the midst of this pandemic.
 
"A donation like this is huge," stated Outlette. "Everyone here is big UMass Lowell fans and we do go through masks quite a lot. We have kids that come in all day, so if they need a mask, we can give one to them. And having something for the staff that runs around with them all day to change into will be super helpful. UMass Lowell has always been very good to us. They are a great partner and a big supporter."
 
The River Hawks also made donations to Market Basket essential front line workers and PrideStar first responders. PrideStar Director of Operations John Hebert talked about how important personal protective equipment (PPE) is for his staff to be able to safely help others.
 
"This is tremendous for us because getting PPE has been a challenge since the beginning of this," said Hebert. "Anything we can get is a plus because it's been a struggle. Keeping our first responders safe is of paramount importance to us. Having our local partners step up to support our troops has been really beneficial and it's nice to know you're appreciated."
 
Because of the success of this first Buy One, Give One campaign, UMass Lowell is offering it once more. This time, the design of the new face covering was chosen through a social media vote. You can order your new UMass Lowell face cover HERE. In addition the University's Community Relations department continues their work with the Fashion Maker Space and the Face Coverings for the Community Campaign, which you can support by clicking HERE.