NSSF Donates $25,000 in Support of Newtown and Region's Virus Responders

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Mar 31, 2020, 11:52 ET

NEWTOWN, Conn., March 31, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade association for the firearm industry, has made donations totaling $25,000 to three groups indispensable to supporting the health and welfare of area residents in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds will assist with the purchase of personal protection equipment (PPE) such as surgical masks, gowns and gloves and other necessary equipment.

"We have unbounded appreciation for the brave frontline responders supporting residents in need and keeping our community safe," said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO. "As a concerned member of the community, NSSF wants these organizations and area residents to know that we stand with them during this unprecedented, challenging time. Assisting one another, however possible, will help us prevail against the serious health threats posed by the coronavirus."

NSSF, based in Newtown, has sent $10,000 to Newtown's Emergency Management Office to help purchase PPEs for Newtown's first responders—the Volunteer Ambulance Association, Newtown Police Department and the town's five fire departments.

NSSF will provide $10,000 to Bethel Visiting Nurse Association, which provides crucial in-home healthcare services to residents in Bethel, Brookfield, Danbury, Newtown, New Fairfield, Redding, Ridgefield and Southbury.

Additionally, NSSF will support Danbury Regional Hospice with a $5,000 donation and draw attention to the group's ongoing fundraiser for PPEs at RegionalHospiceCT.org.

"It is our hope that NSSF's donations will help ease the burdens of these organizations in their fight against this insidious disease," said Bartozzi. "Because we're all in this together, we encourage those who can to support funding for PPEs for these and other organizations in this fight against COVID-19."

NSSF represents more than 9,000 companies engaged in all segments of the firearms and shooting sports industry, including manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, ranges, hunting and conservation groups and outdoor media.

SOURCE National Shooting Sports Foundation