Miller’s to Donate 5,000 Facemasks to Local Businesses

As communities and businesses emerge from the coronavirus-induced shutdown period, health experts agree that facemasks will play a considerable role in protecting residents from future outbreaks. The Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce today announced that, thanks to the generosity of Miller’s Professional Imaging, thousands of local employees will have access to this critical protection.

Miller’s will be printing the masks and then having local manufacturer, U.S. Awards, provide the cutting and sewing. The facemasks will carry the “Pittsburg Strong” slogan, which is becoming a community rallying cry during this difficult period. The masks are made of a non-woven fabric that provides a significant level of micron filtration over masks made of cotton and polyester.

Todd Coleman, President and Chief Operating Officer at Miller’s said, “Local businesses have a special place in our hearts at Miller’s. “My grandfather got his start as a one-man photo studio in Pittsburg in 1939 and we’ve never lost that appreciation for the impact that local businesses play in our community. Any role we can play in helping businesses re-open safely, we want to do.”

“We have had a long-term relationship with Joe Dellasega and U.S. Awards dating back to the inception of Mpix in 2003. Having an opportunity to work with Joe and his sons, Nick and Daniel, on a project to benefit the local business community has certainly been rewarding for us,” said Coleman.

U.S. Awards initially began producing facemasks as a donation to Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, but quickly realized the need for other businesses to have them as well. At the same time Miller’s was in the market for masks for their employees. Soon the two companies began discussions on how best to provide the facemasks on a larger scale to help other local businesses facing the challenge of re-opening as safely as possible.

Joe Dellasega, co-owner of U.S. Awards, said that Miller’s support of the Pittsburg community has been overwhelming since Bill Miller founded the business over 80 years ago. “It is no surprise to anyone that they wanted to step up to help other businesses in this unique time in our country,” said Dellasega. “We’re proud to partner with Miller’s to ensure local employees, and their customers, are safe as they go back to work.”

Blake Benson, President of the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce, lauded both companies for their contribution and commitment to supporting local businesses. “Our community has a rich history of local businesses supporting one another and this is one more great example,” said Benson. “We’re extremely fortunate to have Miller’s and U.S. Awards in Pittsburg and we thank them both for this incredible contribution.”

Businesses may request facemasks through the Pittsburg Area Chamber website at www.pittsburgareachamber.com/pittsburgstrong. Businesses are asked to limit their request to one donated facemask per employee to ensure that as many local businesses have access to them as possible. Additional facemasks may be purchased through U.S. Awards at (620) 231-8470. Large businesses with more than 50 employees are also asked to work with U.S. Awards to secure a larger quantity. The chamber will then make arrangements for the businesses to pick up their masks at the chamber office, 117 West Fourth Street in Pittsburg.

Registration has closed.