Lt. Gov. Barnes helps distribute PPE, supplies to local families

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes was on the front lines of an effort to help needy families get the supplies they need to fight coronavirus Monday morning, June 29.

Barnes participated in a mask and PPE giveaway hosted by the Social Development Commission in the SDC parking lot at 17th and North.

For two hours, people could pick up not only health supplies but also household items and even school supplies.

"We realize this will help families that are struggling because the funds that they will use to pay for those, they can get it here today and we're most grateful to be able to offer that for our community," said SDC Youth Service Supervisor Willie Mae Hill.

"We want to be able to help close the gap where we're able to, and this sort of supply drive is right in the heart of the need, where people may, unfortunately, struggle with access to PPE and masks and other equipment because this stuff is not free," Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes said.

The giveaway, which ended at noon, was expected to serve at least 200 families.