First 5 Humboldt and Changing Tides Family Services Distributing Free Children’s Masks to Local Child Care Providers

Display of Children’s masks ready for distribution to childcare programs..

Joint media release from First 5 Humboldt and Changing Tides Family Services:

First 5 Humboldt and Changing Tides Family Services are delivering thousands of free children’s sized masks to child care providers throughout Humboldt County, helping families and child care programs meet one of the many challenges of operating during a pandemic.

Child care programs require masks for adults and children aged 2 and up but finding well-fitting masks for young children is an ongoing challenge for families. The three pallets of masks, about 86,000 total, were purchased by the federal government and given to First 5 Humboldt through their partnership with SupplyBank – a statewide nonprofit that has been regularly distributing diaper kits, wipes, cleaning supplies, masks, and more through First 5 Humboldt and other First 5’s across California.

Changing Tides Family Services works closely with child care providers and is helping distribute the masks and other supplies.

“Child care is essential for families, for our community, and for our economy. We are committed to helping child care programs operate safely and effectively, and these supplies are a critical part of that effort. We are happy to be working with First 5 Humboldt to support our child care providers.” said Kerry Venegas, Executive Director of Changing Tides Family Services. “If you are a child care provider in need of PPE supplies, including cleaning supplies and masks, please contact Changing Tides at 707- 444-8293 or at [email protected]”

“Child care in Humboldt County and across the country is in crisis. Child care providers are essential workers who have been on the front lines of this pandemic from the beginning. We owe them a debt of gratitude and are glad we can help with these supplies.” said Mary Ann Hansen, Executive Director of First 5 Humboldt.