NASHUA – United Way of Greater Nashua has already distributed thousands of masks to area residents and is planning to continue those efforts through the remainder of the month at a site located at Nashua City Hall.

As more retailers and restaurants begin reopening in some capacity, it is likely that the demand for facial coverings will increase. Sara Ceaser, Director of Volunteer and Community Engagement with United Way of Greater Nashua, believes as people begin going out that there will be more of a need for masks. A lot of the free masks being handed out are one-time-use masks, or paper masks,actually a combination of both paper and cloth.

“We have a huge number of masks and we get more as the need increases,” Ceaser said.

While United Way’s supply is not unlimited, Ceaser said there are enough on hand to cover the demand in the coming weeks. United Way of Greater Nashua president Mike Apfelberg believes they have enough masks, with about 30,000 in their inventory.

This initiative, Mask Nashua Strong, began last week at both the Pheasant Lane Mall and the Merrimack Premium Outlets. In just that first week alone, thousands of masks were distributed to area residents free of charge.

“I would expect that as of now we’re over 10,000,” Apfelberg said regarding mask give-aways for one week at the malls.

While he did not have the exact numbers, his estimate shows that plenty of masks have already reached members of the public as efforts continue throughout the remainder of May. Apfelberg also said that United Way gave 5,000 masks to the Rotary Clubs for their initiative this past weekend.

Moreover, these free mask give-aways are happening every day at the two malls during their normal hours of operations and will continue through Sunday, May 24. Ceasar said there are two sites at the Pheasant Lane Mall, one at the food court entrance and another at the entrance by Buffalo Wild Wings, which she said is the upper level entrance. Additionally, Ceasar said there are four sites set up at the Merrimack Premium Outlets. However, the Merrimack location’s sites are weather dependent since they are outdoors.

“I have a feeling by the time we get toward the end of the week we’re going to revisit that and see where we’re at,” Apfelberg said.

Right now, the plan is to go until Sunday, but Apfelberg said United Way might extend that depending on how things are going. It is also based upon the supply of masks and the need that the community has for them.

However, this week United Way expanded these mask give-aways to include a site at Nashua City Hall at the plaza, which is also weather dependent. Nonetheless, between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. from May 18 – May 31 people can stop by this site and pick up a free mask. This is offered seven days a week and will also be available on Memorial Day.

“Our goal is really to keep people safe and healthy,” Apfelberg said.

While the masks are free, United Way will also be accepting donations for their COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund for Greater Nashua, but there is no expectation that people will donate.

Adam Urquhart may be contacted at 594-1206, or at aurquhart@nashuatelegraph.com.