A local gas company is doing its part to make sure area non-profits have funding available to provide masks for their clients.

Representvies from Columbia Gas of Ohio were in Zanesville Wednesday morning to present monetary donations to both Christ’s Table and the Salvation Army for the purchase of masks.

According to Erica Chronaberry, an external affairs specialist with Columbia Gas, following Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s mask mandate in July, many local charitable organizations expressed concern.

The individuals who attend both Christ’s Table and the Salvation Army for daily meals and other vital services lacked the resources to purchase masks.

The non-profits, already on tight budgets, also struggled to have enough to provide.

Christ’s Table has experienced nearly a doubling of its cost to provide meals as patrons aren’t allowed to eat inside, thus requiring the organizations to provide the meals in to-go contains, greatly increasing the price per meal, as all utensils have to be disposable.

Chronaberry said that after hearing about the situation from an area employee, the company chose to help financially support the purchase of mask for both local organizations.

The purchase will ensure that regardless of an individual’s ability to purchase a mask, it won’t impede their ability to receive a warm meal or place to stay, while also helping to back area non-profits financially that have seen increase cost to administer their programs due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Throughout the pandemic Columbia Gas, thought it’s NiSource Charitable Foundation, has donated approximately $750,000 to food banks and other non-profits serving both Muskingum County and the greater Southeastern Ohio region.

Salvation Army plans to purchase over 2,000 masks with the donation according to Office Manager Mindy McCloy.

It makes our clients feel loved and cared for,” said McCloy. “It was such a generous donation.”

Keely Warden, Executive Director of Christ’s Table, echoed McCloy’s comments noting that due to the economic effects of the Coronavirus on the economy, the organization has seen a steady increase in visits to the soup kitchen.

Thanks to the donation by Columbia Gas, both organizations will be able to continue to distribute face masks, at no cost, to their visitors.