#MaskUpMKE Taps North Shore Bank Branches for Mask Kit Distribution Sites as Demand Continues for Phase Two

MILWAUKEE (June 3, 2020) – #MaskUpMKE today announced it has partnered with North Shore Bank for distribution and collection of the initiative’s mask making kits. Starting today through June 15, all 33 Southeastern Wisconsin North Shore Bank locations will offer mask making kits for volunteers to pickup to help meet the need of making 3.5 million masks for essential providers in Milwaukee. These additional distribution and collection sites will help fulfill the demand for masks.

“We’re glad to extend our assistance to #MaskUpMKE on this crucial effort to help keep our communities safe. With our locations all across Southeastern Wisconsin, it’s easier than ever for neighbors to pick up a kit and start doing their part,” said Jay McKenna, president and chief operating officer of North Shore Bank. “We’ve always believed in the power of community, and we support this collective effort to help provide 3.5 million masks to those who need them most.”

Healthy individuals are encouraged to participate by visiting JOMMinistry.org/Masks to register to volunteer and pick up the no-sew mask making kits from a North Shore Bank location to take home for assembly. The pick-up times will take place during bank hours. Each kit contains instructions and materials to make 700 masks, and each mask takes approximately one to two minutes to assemble. Volunteers will return their boxes to North Shore Bank upon completion.

Along with North Shore Bank, the organizations involved in #MaskUpMKE are: Rebel Converting, Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Zilber Family Foundation, United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County, Fiserv Forum and the Milwaukee Bucks, Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity, Code for Milwaukee, NeighborExpress-MKE, and Just One More Ministry.

The face covering kits were made and donated by Rebel Converting, a Saukville-based manufacturer of hospital-grade disinfectant wipes. Overall, Rebel has committed to making and donating materials for #MaskUpMKE to make 3.5 million face coverings to address the growing need for personal protective equipment. As part of phase two of the initiative, Rebel Converting is giving $25 to Just One More Ministry for each completed box of 700 masks, up to a commitment of $30,000.

“The support we’ve received from the community and organizations who truly care to make a difference is outstanding. With their ties to the community and span of locations across Southeastern Wisconsin, we knew North Shore Bank was the perfect next partner for us as we entered Phase Two in the effort to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Rebel Converting Owner Mike Kryshak.

MCW has been involved in MaskUpMKE to advise on the health and safety aspects on the entire process. After a 72-hour quarantine period, the masks will be distributed to the community under their guidance. Medical and nonprofit organizations should visit www.MaskUpMKE.org/request to request masks. Individuals looking for masks who do not belong to medical and nonprofit organizations should call 2-1-1 for more information.

For more information on MaskUpMKE, visit www.MaskUpMKE.org, watch their PSA here or check out a video here.

About MaskUpMKE

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a group of health and community leaders have united to form MaskUpMKE, an initiative to get more face coverings into the hands of first responders and community members across Milwaukee. The participants are: Rebel Converting, Medical College of Wisconsin, Just One More Ministry, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Zilber Family Foundation, Milwaukee Bucks and Fiserv Forum, United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County, Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity and North Shore Bank. Many of the partnering organizations are engaged in a cross-sector coalition formed to strategically, equitably and rapidly respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in our region. The MKE Civic Response Team is developing unprecedented systems to identify greatest needs, align resources and coordinate relief efforts around the community’s top priorities.

About North Shore Bank

North Shore Bank, headquartered in Brookfield, has assets of over $2 billion and 45 offices throughout eastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Wisconsin locations are in metro Milwaukee, Ozaukee County, Racine, Kenosha, Appleton, Menasha, Green Bay and surrounding areas, Burlington, Union Grove, Muskego, and Door County. Locate a North Shore Bank office. You can also connect with the bank on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

About Just One More Ministry

Just One More Ministry (JOMM) who accepts donated food that would be otherwise thrown away from restaurants, caterers, fairs & festivals, and grocery stores has expanded its mission during these challenging the times. The ministry has been participating in Rebel Converting LLC’s One Million Masks campaign to make initially 1 million, then 2 million and ultimately 3.5 million masks to help protect individuals against COVID-19 (see video). JOMM is seeking more volunteers to complete this challenge. Those interested in volunteering are asked to visit https://www.jomministry.org/masks for details on volunteering requirements, instructions and signing up.

Where These Masks Are Being Distributed (See www.jomministry.org/masksout for a complete list.)

• Milwaukee County Transit
• Milwaukee Public Schools
• Inner City Churches
• Homeless Ministries
• Women’s/Children’s Shelters
• Youth Programs
• Senior Housing/Elder Care
• Community Centers
• Essential Businesses
• Correctional Facilities
• Police, EMS, and Fire Depts
• Non-Profit Programs

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.