Lexi Garcia
Editorial Assistant

Smiles appeared on people’s faces all along Independence Ave. as Rol Deng, Ambassador of Communications for the Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, gave away face masks to small businesses around the community that the Health Department had sent to the Chamber.

Deng went up and down the Avenue surprising business owners with a free box of face masks to provide to their customers after he had an unfortunate experience at the post office.

Deng had recently gone to the post office and got turned away because he didn’t have a face mask on and had to go to the gas station to buy one.

“I know the state stopped people from wearing masks and the private businesses applied that, but post offices and big companies, they’re still not allowing people to go in without a mask,” Deng said.

While many businesses don’t require a face mask when entering, many still have them on hand.

“I don’t really wear a face mask anymore because of the vaccine, but I like to have them just in case,” said Oredi Jay Mtambla, owner of Jay’s Store and Restaurant at 2605 Independence Blvd.

Most beauty-focused businesses like salons and barbershops still require wearing a face mask, like Ted Davis, owner of Ted’s Barber Shop at 2631 Independence Ave.

“I feel good about getting the face masks, because I make everybody wear a mask, I appreciate it,” Davis said.

To find more resources from the Chamber go to nekcchamber.com and for more information on where to get your COVID-19 vaccination go to www.kcmo.gov/