Local organization delivers PPE on the road

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Many people in the hardest hit areas of Buffalo can't afford to buy their own masks. One local organization is working to keep everyone informed, educated and equipped.

"Letting people know that the virus is dangerous, that they can get infected that they must protect themselves and others," said Betty Jean Grant, Founder of We are Women Warriors and former Erie County Legislator.

Grant drives the "PPE SUV", riding around the city for three hours every day, warning people about the virus and how to keep safe. She focuses on the areas with the most cases in the city, including 14215 which now has nearly 300 cases.

"You see people on Monday, then you stop seeing them the following Monday, you know?" said James Langley, a Buffalo native.

Grant gives gloves, hand sanitizer and masks away for free to anyone walking by. She'll often stop people without masks and give them one. She says many people can't afford them.

"This is my community. This is my city. We have people that are poor. What I'm trying to do is bring the information and bring the supplies to them," said Grant.

On Monday afternoon, Grant parked her car on Broadway Street and gave away PPE supplies from her trunk, with donated masks from ABC Hardware and Rentals and help from Open Buffalo.

"We're just trying to keep people healthy and have them understand that they need to wear masks, stay safe," said Brett Begley, Owner of ABC Hardware.

The line wrapped around the corner and up the street full of people in need. They gave out 2,000 masks in less than an hour.

"This is going to be on a weekly basis to give out masks to the community. You see there's a need," said Grant.

Grant says she'll keep going until the number of cases goes down. If you see the PPE SUV driving around, just wave and Grant will stop to give you what you need. She expects her next pop-up mask giveaway to happen on Monday, May 11.