For this installment of the Foxx Report, I want to share with you a few stories from North Carolina about businesses who have stepped up to the plate in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While these stories may not be highlighted over social media, on the nightly news or over other mediums as frequently as others, it is important that we pause and recognize these companies and their hardworking employees for the contributions that they continue to make to their communities.
Hickory Springs Manufacturing
HS Manufacturing (“Hickory Springs”) is a supply company for the furniture and bedding industries. In response to COVID-19, HSM has made investments in manufacturing personal protective equipment (PPP) such as face masks and medical gowns for our doctors, nurses, and healthcare personnel at local hospitals and medical centers. Its ancillary production locations in Georgia and Ohio will also be doubling overall output of masks and gowns as well. With more than 30 manufacturing plants in 14 states, HS Manufacturing plays a critical role in helping healthcare providers.
Project Mask Winston-Salem
With over 2,000 volunteers, Project Mask Winston-Salem is an operation that has grown exponentially in the past few weeks. After one month of becoming fully operational, Project Mask Winston-Salem has distributed more than 25,000 masks to healthcare providers and raised more than $25,000 to buy additional supplies and mask components. Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Novant, Davie County EMS, and Salem Chest Specialists have been benefitting from these masks especially since they are extremely durable and machine washable!
Taylor King Furniture
Taylor King Furniture in Taylorsville has started to produce face coverings for medical workers in local hospitals and care centers. With availability of masks declining, Taylor King Furniture stepped up to produce sustainable medical grade masks. Here is the most amazing part: six employees are spearheading the production and shipment of thousands of pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE). To date, Taylor King Furniture has provided free masks to staff members at Fresenius Kidney Care and Valley Nursing Center in Taylorsville, UNC Hospitals, the Iredell Memorial Respiratory Care team, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Catawba Memorial, and to various oncologists in Wilmington and Fayetteville. Great work!
Indera Mills
Indera Mills, a Yadkinville-based company that manufactures thermal underwear, began a sewing line to produce washable and reusable face masks. Once a small-scale operation that yielded 1,000 masks per day, production has increased to an overall output of 20,000 masks per day to meet a sharp spike in demand. In addition to providing these masks to critical areas, they are also working to provide them to local stores across Yadkinville.
New Scam Update
It may come as no surprise that scammers have taken to social media in a new attempt to defraud Americans. Recently, reports surfaced that scammers are now using fake advertisements on Facebook to lure victims into buying ventilators and personal protective equipment (PPE) from unverified vendors. Users report that these advertisements have email addresses and phone numbers to contact to order these faux products. What’s more, the telephone numbers that were listed have area codes that are registered to Nigeria.
Facebook has openly committed to removing these posts, but these fraudulent advertisements are seldom taken down. I implore you to do your research on products online before you commit to buying them. Check if they are being sold by credible companies or online platforms beforehand. Look up contact information on companies and confirm where they are located. Most importantly, search for online reviews to get a better sense of what other consumers are saying. Knowledge is power, and it is important that you undertake due diligence during all online interactions.
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A fitting photo for National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day
With Elizabeth Kaner and Samuel Zimmern at AIPAC
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