Ald. Gardiner hands out face masks in Jefferson Park to combat spread of coronavirus: Photos

Ald. Jim Gardiner (45th) hands a packet of four face masks to a man, during a drive-up giveaway Saturday at a Hoyne Savings Bank branch drive-thru in Jefferson Park. | Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times

In an effort to help city residents protect themselves and others Saturday from the new coronavirus, Ald. Jim Gardiner (45th) and a team of volunteers were in Jefferson Park handing out face masks.

The giveaway began shortly after noon at a Hoyne Savings Bank branch drive-thru at 4786 N. Milwaukee Ave. and continued until about 4 p.m.

During the first half of the giveaway, the masks were being given to seniors and other residents who were at “high risk” of contracting the COVID-19 virus before switching to giving masks to anyone who drove up.

Joyce Schraeder a volunteer with Ald. Jim Gardiner (45th) holds up a package of four face masks that were being given away at a Hoyne Savings Bank branch drive-thru Saturday in Jefferson Park. The masks were provided by businessman and ex-candidate for mayor Willie Wilson.

Gardiner estimated that as of 2 p.m., he and his volunteers gave out about 1,000 masks, which were a donation from businessman and former mayoral candidate Willie Wilson, who has provided 20,000 face masks across the city 50 wards after a deal to sell them to the city and state fell through.

“The people need to know I’m still here for them,” Gardiner said of passing out the masks personally.

With each mask the Northwest Side alderman also gave out cards with his office’s contact information.

Volunteer Wayne Przyby hands out face masks Saturday in Jefferson Park as part of the free mask giveaway.