McDonald's announced the fast-food chain will be donating 1 million N95 masks to Illinois healthcare workers and first responders in order to help them in the fight against the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
Of the one million masks, 750,000 will be distributed in Chicago, where the company's global headquarters is located, and another 250,000 will go to the rest of the state.
According to the Chicago Tribune, the company purchased the masks when searching for protective gear for their employees, but decided now to donate most of them due to the shortage in the healthcare field.
In a released statement McDonald's said, "Our company has a deep bond with the city of Chicago and the state of Illinois and we feel a profound sense of gratitude for the healthcare workers serving our community."
Both Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot have thanked McDonald's for their much-needed contribution that will help protect workers with the highest exposure to this virus.
Both political figures called the fast-food chain a local hometown hero. #GoodVibes