MONTGOMERY, Ala. – A non-profit group based in Montgomery is providing outreach support to health-care professionals by equipping them with protective face shields.

The group, MontgomeryFightingCOVID, is donating the shields to state veterans homes, nursing homes, hospitals, clinics, and to other healthcare workers who are serving on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic. The group reached out to the Bill Nichols State Veterans Home in Alexander City and donated 180 shields.

“We are grateful for the volunteers who have put forth the effort to produce and deliver the shields for our caregivers at the state veterans homes,” said Kim Justice, Director of the Alabama Department of Veteran Affairs State Veterans Homes Program.  “This is all about citizens helping citizens in a time of need, and we are truly appreciative for this remarkable gift.”

 MontgomeryFightingCOVID.com started as a local group of 3D printers who recognized the need to supplement our local hospitals with personal protective equipment (PPE). They quickly grew and joined a coalition of similar organizations around Alabama to include MobileFightingCOVID and HuntsvilleFightingCOVID. The group is funded entirely by donations from the community. To-date, they have donated over 3400 face shields to the greater Montgomery area.

“It is an honor to be able to support our local heroes. Our frontline medical workers deserve the very best. It is amazing to watch our local community donate their time, money, and expertise to help keep our medical professionals and their patients stay safe,” said Scott Van De Water, co-founder of the organization.

The group’s website provides more information about the community outreach initiative at montgomeryfightingcovid.com.  To make a donation, visit montgomeryfightingcovid.com/donate