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Help Texas: Coronavirus PPE Fund

Healthcare workers are our first line of defense in the COVID-19 pandemic. Their safety relies on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including respirators, gloves, face shields, and gowns. Frontline healthcare workers around the country face a critical shortage of PPE, including here in North Texas. 

Texas is currently one of the nation’s COVID-19 hotspots, with over 4,000 hospitalizations to date. Local hospitals are using their stockpiles of PPE much faster than expected: reserves that would have lasted three months are now in danger of being depleted in a few weeks. 

The COVID Foundation is preparing to assist in the fight against COVID-19. Started by New York native Ben Wei on March 22nd, 2020, the Foundation has already distributed over 20,000 critically-needed N95/KN95 respirator masks to 25 hospitals and nursing centers throughout New York City, over 60,000 masks to the Fire Department of New York and other NYC-area first responders, and over 20,000 care packages including masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer to assisted living facilities and home health care workers. 

We distribute only lab-tested and verified PPE from a vetted list of suppliers to avoid the risk of donating substandard equipment. We are a completely volunteer-run nonprofit, which means we seek to maximize every dollar donated to COVID relief efforts. Our 501(c)3 tax-exempt public charity status means that your donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. 

A $5 donation will provide one critically-needed, medical-grade N95 mask for a frontline healthcare worker.

A $15 donation will provide a full set of PPE for that worker, including an N95 mask, one protective disposable gown, a face shield, and several pairs of nitrile gloves.

A $100 donation will provide enough PPE to protect that worker for a full week. 

Help us protect our frontline healthcare workers throughout North Texas. Please donate today.

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About Us

The COVID Foundation was launched by Ben Wei, a non-profit founder and tech entrepreneur, born and raised in NYC. Since March 19th of this year, Ben has founded two COVID related organizations that have collectively raised nearly $1,000,000 for PPE relief and have donated 100,000+ pieces of PPE to frontline healthcare workers. 

With a team of 30+ volunteers, the Foundation is 100% volunteer-run and is committed to helping provide PPE to those who need it most. It has thus far donated PPE to NYC homeless shelters, frontline essential workers, nursing homes and 30+ NYC hospitals. 

Ben’s work has been featured in national media outlets including: ABC News, NBC, Forbes, Buzzfeed News, LA Times, and CBS NY. 

The COVID Foundation operates through a fiscal sponsorship with The Giving Back Fund, Inc. (Federal Tax ID: 04-3367888), a Massachusetts nonprofit corporation recognized by IRS as a tax-exempt public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.  Contributions to The COVID Foundation are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law


Our Commitment 

We will be posting stories & photos of our donations, hand-offs, and the workers that you are helping on our Twitter and Instagram (@covidfoundation). 



FAQ

What does success look like? 

If we can save one healthcare worker from being infected, we already consider ourselves successful. If a healthcare worker is infected, that means they will call in sick, meaning there is less coverage and reduces a hospital's ability to properly take care of its patients, which has already happened. 

How will the funds be used? 

Our funds will go towards operating the “Help Texas” campaign, with a focus on purchasing and delivering masks and other urgent Personal Protective Equipment for healthcare workers. The COVID Foundation is 100% volunteer-run. 


What have you accomplished so far?

(1) In collaboration with our partners, we've successfully created relationships with local hospitals to understand their PPE needs and to set up a donation distribution system. 

(2) Through our past donations, we already have vetted N95 and PPE suppliers at the most competitive prices available on the market today. We make sure that every dollar donated is used with care. 

(3) We have already made thousands of donations around the US and are bringing our expertise to Texas. As we continue to raise money, we hope to scale up donations. 

Why aren’t hospitals & government agencies ordering these masks directly? 

Unfortunately, many hospitals have stretched their supply chain to their capacity and are unable to procure additional supplies. The government is trying to help, but there has not been enough available to address the immediate need.

I’ve seen other charity efforts related to COVID-19. How is this one different? 

Your donation will go to the procurement of NIOSH-approved N95 Respirators and KN95 Respirators from CE-certified factories for healthcare staff at the frontlines of COVID-19.  

Because of the continued global shortage of N95s & PPE, donating to a 501(c)3 non-profit with experience in vetting medical supplies helps ensure that healthcare workers are being properly protected. 

Unlike other charities, our organization has direct experience in evaluating and importing NIOSH-approved N95 Respirators and KN95 Respirators from CE-certified factories. We will be sharing photos & videos of healthcare workers receiving the donated equipment, so you can see your impact on the local community. 

How do you prioritize who receives the mask? 

The healthcare workers on the frontline of COVID-19 are those in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and in the Emergency Room. We try our best to donate masks to ICU & ER Units within Texas' largest hospitals, as they are the ones who are likely to have the highest volume of cases. 

Are donations tax-deductible? 

Yes, The COVID Foundation operates through a fiscal sponsorship with The Giving Back Fund, Inc. (Federal Tax ID: 04-3367888), a Massachusetts nonprofit corporation recognized by IRS as a tax-exempt public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.  Contributions to The COVID Foundation are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law

I am a healthcare professional at a Texas health system currently treating COVID-19 patients. We are short on PPE. How can we make a request? 

Fill out this form: http://cvd.cm/ppesurvey

Aside from donations, how can we help? 

Share this message with your friends and let them know about the dire situation. You can follow us on Twitter & Instagram: @covidfoundation

If you are a healthcare worker, or supply administrator you can fill out this form: http://cvd.cm/ppesurvey

If you want to volunteer, please visit: http://cvd.cm/volunteer

If you have a direct relationship with PPE manufacturers that can provide equipment at market costs, you can e-mail us with a subject headline “PPE Equipment Manufacturer” at [email redacted]

If you are a member of the press or would like to connect us with a member of the press, you can e-mail us with a subject headline “Press Contact” to [email redacted]. All other inquiries should be sent to [email redacted]

Follow us: 

Twitter: @covidfoundation

Instagram: @covidfoundation 

Hashtag: #HelpTexas

Fundraising team: COVID Foundation (2)

Benjamin Wei
Organizer
Dallas, TX
COVID Foundation, a project of the Giving Back Fund
Beneficiary
Darryl Campbell
Team member
Raised $645 from 10 donations

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