MONROVIA – Tzu Chi, a local humanitarian organization and private school, donated 2,000 surgical masks and 1,000 portable hand sanitizers to the City of Monrovia on March 31, with a portion of the donation going to Monrovia Unified School District to ensure the continued safety of staff, students, and families.

In addition to the masks and sanitizer, Tzu Chi also donated gloves and bottles of surface disinfectant.

“We are very grateful for the donation from Tzu Chi,” Board of Education President Rob Hammond said. “This donation shows how strong the City of Monrovia is. We are committed to the health and safety of our students, families, and staff. This donation will boost our efforts to ensure their protection.”

Tzu Chi uses Clifton Middle School’s campus on Sundays for its language school program and has established a strong relationship with the District. Executive Vice President of Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation Debra Boudreaux said the organization heard of the need for supplies and quickly thought of a plan to help the District and first responders.

“We are grateful for the continued support we receive from organizations around us and are thankful to Tzu Chi for supplying us with extra safety tools amid these challenging times,” Superintendent Katherine Thorossian said. “We are distributing healthy meals to our families, and this donation will help as we continue that effort.”

The meal distribution program is available for children ages 18 and younger at Monrovia Unified schools from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday. The District has distributed over 26,000 meals since March 16.

“Monrovia is our home,” Boudreaux said. “We are all facing challenges right now, but I know this will make us stronger. Though materials go quickly, this is just the beginning, and we will continue to provide support as needed.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS

04.03.2020_MUSD_Donation 1: Monrovia Unified Board of Education President Rob Hammond receives a donation of masks and hand sanitizer from Tzu Chi at Monrovia Police Department on March 31, and thanks the organization for its effort to keep the community safe.

04.03.2020_MUSD_Donation 2: Monrovia Unified Board of Education President Rob Hammond practices social distancing alongside Mayor Tom Adams and Monrovia City first responders following a donation of masks and hand sanitizer from local humanitarian organization Tzu Chi.