Winona Fire Department collects over 900 masks in weekend drive

WINONA, Minn. (WKBT) – The Winona Fire Department collected more than 900 masks during a drive on Saturday.

“I want to thank the countless volunteers who stepped up to use their time and talent to help the community during this pandemic,” said Winona fire chief Curt Bittle. “It was an unbelievable show of support!”

The department is delivering the homemade masks this week to care facilities, group housing, nonprofit care providers like Hiawatha Valley Mental Health, and others with immediate needs.

The department expects to have extra masks, and will give those away to the public at an outdoor, non-contact setup at Central Fire Station, 451 E. Third St., from 12-4 pm Wednesday and 8 am-4 pm Thursday and Friday or until supplies run out. In the event of rain, the setup will remain open inside the station.

Masks will be provided free, with no questions asked, to anyone who needs them – frontline and retail workers, designated caregivers, those sick, elderly, immunocompromised or in quarantine, and any member of the general public. If you arrive at the same time as others, please take turns and practice physical distancing of at least 6 feet.

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