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Salvation Army providing face masks to people in need

Masks are now mandatory in public throughout Alabama, but for some, getting a mask can be a challenge.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — After months of lay-offs and furloughs, people in the Tennessee Valley are feeling the impact. Many families are in need of food, money, and now face masks.

RELATED: Alabama mask mandate: What does it mean for you?

Masks are now mandatory to wear in public throughout Alabama, but for some, getting a mask can be a challenge. Fortunately, the Salvation Army teamed up with Haynes to help.

Salvation Army Corps Officer Chris Bryant said, "Haynes reached out to us. They were wanting to do something to help communities that were in need, and of course, Huntsville is a large community with a large population of homeless and those that are living below the poverty line, so adding an expense just as simple as a mask isn't in some people's budget."

The masks can be picked up at all Huntsville Salvation Army locations.

"They're reusable masks," said Bryant. "They're made out of t-shirt kind of material and they're double layered, so they're definitely a lot more comfortable than a lot of the disposable masks that a lot of people have been wearing."

It's not just masks people need right now. The Salvation Army says they're seeing a 25% increase in requests from this time last year.

"We've seen a lot more requests for assistance than what we've seen in the past," said Bryant. "The biggest request that we've been getting is for utility assistance. We do have some assistance available for utility assistance for people that are in need. They just need to call our office and schedule an appointment."

The Salvation Army in Huntsville can be reached at (256) 536-5576.

RELATED: Local retailers & restaurant staff say mask mandate is impacting business

If you're in need, there is help available. The Salvation Army is also helping with food needs, along with other groups in Huntsville.

"We're doing food boxes as we have them. We currently have some food boxes available," said Bryant. "We're doing of course our hot meals that we serve twice a day over on Seminole. You know, all these things are available to people in our public that find themselves struggling a little bit."

The Salvation Army has also taken a hit during the pandemic. They say they need more staff right now and are always in need of donations.

To make a donation, click here.

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