Chabad Jewish Center hands out more than 1,000 free masks in 2 hours in Monroeville

The Chabad Jewish Center in Monroeville handed out 1,100 free face masks on Sept. 13, according to one of the event’s organizers.

The cloth face masks were handed out in packages of five from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 2700 Monroeville Blvd., the municipal building.

Cars lined up in the parking lot starting around 10:45 a.m., despite the rainy conditions.

Rabbi Mendy Schapiro had said the Jewish center received a donation of 2,000 cloth face masks recently from a friend and colleague in New York. The rabbi said he had 2,000 disposable masks to hand out if they needed more for folks.

The Jewish center still has 900 of the white, cloth masks. Debbie Iszauk, event planner at the Monroeville Foundation, said there aren’t any specific plans yet for the rest of the masks.

Schapiro said High Holidays has kept him busy from planning any more giveaways. But the masks are available to be picked up at the Chabad Jewish Center office, he said. The center is located at 2715 Mosside Blvd.

He said the masks will also be an addition to the Jewish center’s monthly packaged distribution events.

Anyone interested can call 412-372-1000 to schedule a time to pick up masks. Schapiro said they would be great for teachers or anyone who wants a good tie-dye project.