DONATION HELPS MAKE ELECTION DAY SAFER IN WASHINGTON, DC

Over 4,000 Reusable Face Masks Donated to the District for Election Day

Mayor Muriel Bowser is pleased to announce that Massachusetts-based company AIS, a leading national manufacturer of commercial office furniture and seating, is donating 4,400 high-quality, reusable face masks to Washington D.C. in support of Election Day. This charitable contribution made through Serve DC, The Mayor’s Office on Volunteerism and Partnerships, will help ensure that thousands across the 80 precincts in the District of Columbia are protected and prepared.

AIS has worked with Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office to make sure that the donated masks were distributed to polling locations prior to their October 27th opening for early voting.  AIS, President and CEO Bruce Platzman says “The success of Election Day relies on the ability for all citizens to have the opportunity to cast their in-person vote as safely as possible. We saw an opportunity to support cities and towns on Election Day, at a time when there is a dire need, by utilizing our inventory of masks and our distribution capacity”.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made high-quality protective masks and other personal protective equipment a necessity to keep poll workers and the public safe during in-person voting.  Long lines at polling locations in surrounding states – and throughout the country already – indicate that voters are still eager to vote in person if they can do so safely. Proper PPE and social distancing is essential to keeping the public safe.

Serve DC, Chief Service Officer, Ayris T. Scales says, “It’s charitable contributions like this that help keep our democratic process running smoothly. Long lines at polling locations in surrounding states – and throughout the country already – indicate that voters are still eager to vote in person if they can do so safely and this donation helps us immensely in the District.”

AIS began making high-quality face masks – using antimicrobial fabrics and other premium materials – when the COVID-19 pandemic intensified in April. Last May, the company also established the nationwide Sew the Masks initiative – activating internal production lines and close to 1,000 volunteer ‘Rosies’ in 45 states to create masks at their home sewing machines for donation and distribution to first responders, frontline workers and other people in need. To date, AIS and its corporate sponsor partners have donated and distributed 200,000 face masks to people across the United States.

ABOUT SERVE DC

Serve DC, The Mayor’s Office on Volunteerism and Partnerships, is the District of Columbia Government agency under Mayor Muriel Bowser, working to connect people, funding, knowledge, volunteer opportunities and resources to residents, business leaders and philanthropic partners—all working together to improve the lives and communities of DC. Dedicated to promoting service and collaboration as an innovative, sustainable solution to pressing social challenges, Serve DC engages District communities by building multi-sector partnerships, leading local and national volunteer initiatives, and promoting strategic service opportunities that improve outcomes and increase the capacity of non-profit organizations, and District agencies.

ABOUT AIS

AIS, headquartered in Leominster, Massachusetts, is a leading manufacturer of commercial office furniture and boasts one of the most impressive stories of growth and success in the furniture industry. Founded in 1989, the company is known for offering market-relevant, feature-rich product lines that entice designers and support the diverse needs of end-users while offering exceptional value. AIS is an innovator that leads the industry in sustainable, lean manufacturing, lead-time performance and manufacturing flexibility. The Boston Business Journal has twice recognized AIS – in 2019 and 2020 – with its Corporate Citizenship Award. AIS has permanent showrooms at its Leominster headquarters and also in Chicago, New York City and Washington, D.C. With locations across the U.S., AIS has more than 800 employees and over 1 million square feet of office, showroom and factory space. Sales for 2019 were $225 million. For more information, visit www.ais-inc.com.