Company gives out masks, other PPE in Mundelein

With COVID-19 infection rates continuing to rise, Medline distributed 20,000 free packages of personal protective equipment Saturday with the help of company employees and volunteers at Mundelein High School.

The plastic packages, which contained four reusable masks and a bottle of hand sanitizer, were distributed at a drive-up event in the high school's parking lot.

"Because of rising COVID-19 infection rates, we want to make sure there's enough access to PPE to keep them staying healthy," Medline Public Affairs Director Jesse Greenberg said. "Access is difficult for some people, and it's difficult (for them) to get everything that they need."

Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim said there was a line of cars waiting for the distribution to start at 10 a.m., so the two-hour event started early. She said it was important that the PPE was being distributed before the Thanksgiving holiday.

"It's a great time to give this away," Kim said. "The (COVID-19) numbers are so high right now. They are higher than they were in the spring."

Mundelein Mayor Steve Lentz said the use of social media helped make the event successful, and he appreciated the efforts of the Medline employees who distributed the packages. The company has a big presence in Mundelein.

"We're just so happy that Medline is donating all this material, and these employees are great coming out here to help distribute." Lentz said. "It's fantastic."