During COVID-19 pandemic, employees sew face masks to boost supply of personal protective equipment
MATTOON, Ill. – April 29, 2020 – Consolidated Communications (NASDAQ: CNSL) a leading broadband and business communications provider, is proud of its long-standing tradition of giving back to the communities it serves and supporting employee volunteer efforts.
Throughout National Volunteer Month, the Company’s core value of Building a Stronger Community is evident through its ongoing commitment to local community investments, which totaled over $2 million in 2019 across its 23-state service area, and its support of employee volunteer efforts, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.
When confronted with the challenge of securing masks for frontline technicians, Consolidated employees stepped up and organized coworkers and their friends and family members to make reusable fabric face masks to strengthen the supply of personal protective equipment being used by Consolidated employees. Employees developed an internal webpage with video tutorials to share step-by-step instructions on how to make different masks based on varying needs and availability of materials. To date, the group has sewn more than 400 face masks with more in production.
“Our number one priority at Consolidated Communications is the health, safety and protection of our employees and customers,” said William Weinhold, safety manager. “The Company’s frontline employees are being provided all available personal protective equipment, including face coverings and hand sanitizer; however, the homemade masks from our employee volunteers are important for maintaining an available supply.”
Other Consolidated employees have found additional ways to help in their communities by participating in virtual board of director or committee meetings to assist nonprofit and community organizations with their business continuity efforts; serving as volunteer fire and medical first responders; delivering food to those who are food insecure; distributing formula, baby food, diapers and other essential items to women and families with young children; and more.
“During these unprecedented times, Consolidated Communications is committed to supporting the communities we serve; and, as a critical infrastructure provider, this means helping our customers and keeping our employees safe,” said Jennifer Spaude, senior vice president of corporate communications and investor relations. “We are grateful to our many employees who volunteer in their community, especially during challenging times, and help those in need, ensure people stay safe, or provide guidance and expertise to keep communities, businesses and organizations moving forward.”
Every year, the Company honors employees who make a significant contribution to their community through their time, talents and dedication by presenting Community Service Awards to deserving employees.
More information on what Consolidated Communications is doing to protect employees and customers and assist businesses and communities in response to the coronavirus is available at consolidated.com/covid.