A donation of 400 plastic face shields by the Vietnamese Americans Community in Tarrant County is being distributed to several nonprofits in Arlington, helping the groups to safely serve those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

So far, face shields from the donation have been delivered to Safe Haven of Tarrant County, Arlington Charities, Arlington Life Shelter, Salvation Army, Dental Health Arlington and Arlington Urban Ministries. Arlington Housing Authority is coordinating the distribution of the donation.

Deborah Coppola, executive director of Arlington Charities, said the face shields will be used by volunteers who are distributing food at the nonprofit’s drive-thru food pantry. They also can be worn by volunteers as they pack food and other items into boxes and bags.

“We are very appreciative of receiving the shields, as we mostly only have cloth masks and this will provide an additional level of protection for clients, volunteers, and staff,” Coppola said.

Dien Ho, president of the Vietnamese Americans Community in Tarrant County, said the group chose to donate the face shields as a way to give back to the community and honor America’s welcoming of Vietnamese refugees into a “new life full of freedom and democracy.”

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