Belmont and Lake Wylie residents, builders and area businesses are responding aggressively to COVID-19 as the virus continues to spread. We commend the efforts by so many including vital hospital heroes to address critical needs.
Belmont and Gaston County have great community foundations and established businesses that are part of the fabric of this area. It is inspiring to see so many new neighbors join in the efforts to support others in need, as well.
Gaston Businesses Step Up to Needs for Protective Masks
Area textile firms Parkdale Mills and Beverly Knits are responding to the urgent needs for protective masks throughout the country, retooling their operations to fast-track production of these critical materials.
Parkdale Mills, Inc., one of the country’s largest yarn producers, in conjunction with eight other companies, will manufacture 10 million face masks per week as noted in this article.
Read more here about Beverly Knits and how it has geared up new production processes and donated 500 masks to Gaston Emergency Services.
McLean Food Drive
The McLean community has launched a food drive to support families impacted by the Coronavirus. The drive started Thursday, April 2, and is being conducted in conjunction with three area agencies: Belmont Community Organization, Community Relief Organization, and Socks, Inc. Suggested contributions include various non-perishable food and personal-hygiene items. The drive ends April 8.
This drive was organized by McLean and inspired by a suggestion from Conservancy residents, Chris and Jeffie Hardin. The couple head Rivendell Farms, a non-profit organization spearheading numerous local initiatives including community gardens for growing fresh produce and creation of a Charlotte Area Food Systems Map highlighting local farms, farmers markets, retailers and farm-to-table restaurants.