Verlander And Upton Donating Masks and Vital Supplies To Detroit

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It's been three years since Justin Verlander pitched for the Tigers, but the city of Detroit is still near and dear to his heart. In fact, Verlander is apparently hoping to finish his career where it started

But that's for another time. 

What matters to Verlander at the moment is helping a city in need. With Detroit in the throes of the coronavirus pandemic, Verlander and his wife Kate Upton announced Friday they're donating masks, food and other vital supplies to those in need, particularly the Detroit Police Department. 

"Just like everybody else, we've been reading a lot about this pandemic and are really heartbroken to hear what's been happening in Detroit, particularly with their police department, Verlander said. "These men and women are risking their lives out there on the front lines for us, and a lot of them have fallen ill because they don't have enough protective equipment, so we reached out to them to see how we can help."

Upton said the DPD asked for masks and touchless thermometers.

"So we partnered up with two awesome companies. Bella Canvas is providing 25,000 masks and B Strong are providing touchless thermometers. We are also donating to feed the front lines who are supporting local restaurants and feeding everybody that is on the front lines, including the Detroit Police Department," said Upton. 

Detroit is close to @JustinVerlander and my hearts & we wanted to support the resilient community & first responders through #PPE & food deliveries. Thank you to @BellaCanvasLA @Ford @fordfund_ & #bstrong for rallying around @detroitpolice @CityofDetroit & @FTFDetroit #covid19 pic.twitter.com/KngnbZa6zO

— Kate Upton (@KateUpton) April 17, 2020

Verlander went on to explain that most of the masks will be distributed throughout the city by DPD officers. 

"I think one of the biggest things we can do to stop the spread of this virus is for as many people as possible to be masked, so officers will be distributing those masks to communities who can't afford or don't have access to get their own masks," said Verlander. "Hopefully that goes a long way in slowing the spread in Detroit."

Verlander added he and Upton will also be working with the Ford Motor Company Fund "to create programs in Detroit moving forward. So stay tuned for that."

In these uncertain times, it's nice to know Verlander still has our back.