Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan launched a week-long statewide homemade mask drive to encourage Minnesotans to create homemade masks for donation and highlight the importance of workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. On Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Minnesotans can deliver homemade masks to their local fire department. Fire departments will then deliver the masks to local congregate living facilities for their employees and residents to wear. Find more information here. Participating fire department locations in Carlton County include: Barnum, Blackhoof, Carlton, Cloquet Area Fire District, Cromwell-Wright, Esko, Kettle River, Mahtowa, and Moose Lake.

Community Memorial Hospital (CMH) and Sunnyside Health Care Center are accepting donations of the following items: Gloves (Latex-free only), Gowns (disposable), Surgical & Clinical Masks, Home-made Masks, N95 Respirators, Face Shields, Tyvek Suits, Powered Air-Purifying Respirators, Thermometers (tympanic preferred, oral cap covers, infaret), Oxivir (disinfectant), Hand Sanitizer Swabs (Dacron, Rayon, Nylon), Cleaning Wipes with Bleach (ex. Clorox), Viral Culture Media, Hair Covers, Shoe Booties, Expired Items (if unopened and unused).

Masks and other small items can be placed on the table inside the front main entrance at CMH between 9am-3pm Monday-Friday. Questions about donations can be emailed to: [email protected] or [email protected].