April 14, 2020
Dear Friend,
The Paycheck Protection Program is working, enabling scores of small business owners to keep their employees. Economic Impact Payments are coming soon, delivering relief to millions of Americans who need money now. For those who do not typically file a tax return, the IRS is offering a new tool to register. To learn more about who qualifies for a payment, please click on the link. For any questions you may have, please visit my website where you will find our coronavirus resource page. My team is ready to assist you as well. Please do not hesitate to contact us.
America works together
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Throughout the history of our great Nation, Americans have always fought to protect all that we hold dear. That spirit of perseverance is stronger than ever. In Mississippi and across America, people are using their time and talents to come to the aid of our men and women on the front lines of this pandemic. Healthcare professionals are in need of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). From living rooms to the laboratory, Mississippians are working hard to help meet the demand.
Kevin Charles Fine Upholstery - New Albany
Rusty Berryhill, Kevin Charles Fine Upholstery President, was forced to furlough almost all of his employees - 85 of 96. Days later, Rusty learned about the need for PPEs and quickly set a plan in motion to manufacture masks. Employees who were sewing together cloth for furniture are now making masks.
The company has donated thousands of masks to the Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami, Florida. Masks have also been donated to two Mississippi nursing homes, local clinics, and the State Veterans Home in Oxford. Masks have also been given to the New Albany Public School District's cafeteria personnel. "We wanted to do what we could to help," Rusty said. "The American spirit will survive one way or another. It always has!"
Blue Delta Jeans - Shannon
In 2012, Josh West started up Blue Delta Jeans, making custom blue jeans for clients all over the world. Two weeks ago, Josh switched gears from blue jeans to masks, a decision that enabled him to keep all of his 35 employees. The company produces up to 12,000 masks daily. Mississippi State University tested the fabric prior to the launch. Almost all the materials used to make the masks are acquired within the First Congressional District. "Keeping our workforce employed during these uncertain times was critical," Josh said. "We also wanted to help people on the front lines of this crisis and that was the first thing that came to our minds."
Josh said the masks are designed for non-acute situations, freeing up medical-grade masks for healthcare professionals.
Toms Square Stitchery - Caledonia
In Caledonia, Angela Toms operates a home-based sewing business called Toms Square Stitchery. She and her mother, Sue Goodman, make quilts, dog bandanas, and other specialty items. On March 21, they began making masks, shipping out more than 300 since.
The sewing team has donated 200 masks to friends and friends of friends from California to Pennsylvania to Florida - far more than they have sold. "My daughter has a clothing store in Nashville which she had to close because of the coronavirus," Angela said. "The attention we have received on social media about our masks helps me to generate online business for her store. Americans really want to help each other out during this crisis."
If you would like to nominate a person, business, or organization helping others at this time, I would like to feature them in my newsletter. Give our team a call at (662) 687-2570.
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| welcome home, summer! |
Summer Holbrook, a native of Southaven, was among the scores of American tourists in Peru when the borders were closed to slow the spread of COVID-19. What was intended to be a quick weekend trip turned into days of uncertainty. Summer reached out to our office for help. It was a top priority for our team to make sure her voice was heard by the State Department.
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From top left: line to the grocery store,
wearing protective masks, waiting
to depart Peru |
"Everything happened so fast," Summer said. "We were given 24 hours to leave, but all the flights were full. After contacting Congressman Kelly's office, I received the help I needed to come home. His team gave much-appreciated updates to my parents, Bruce and Debra Holbrook."
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STAY IN TOUCH
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Let me know if there is anything my office can do to assist you. You can keep up with the latest news by signing up for my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Thanks for reading,
Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress
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