LIXIL Americas, a water technology company known for its kitchen and bath brands American Standard, GROHE and DXV, has announced plans to support teachers across the country with a donation of more than 20,000 face shields.

The initiative is part of the company's Community Day efforts in which LIXIL employees participate in activities to give back to their respective communities. This year, employees across North America will be provided with face shields to assemble and donate to local teachers.

“As teachers emerge as the unsung heroes of the pandemic, overcoming the challenges of educating during a global crisis, schools are facing the same PPE shortages our hospitals have struggled through,” said Trey Northrup, leader, LIXIL Americas. “LIXIL employees are keeping our educators, school staff and children safe by donating face shields.”

Since the start of the pandemic, LIXIL has supported those on the front lines by donating more than 70,000 face shields. The effort began in March, when LIXIL repurposed its 3D printers to produce face shields to donate to communities battling COVID-19. The company partnered with the Jersey City Rapid Maker Response Group to expand the effort with the help of employees who assembled and distributed the PPE within their respective communities.

As part of Community Day, LIXIL will also be collecting food and sanitary/hygiene items to donate to local food banks. Supporting the health and safety of the communities in which its employees live and work is the highest priority for LIXIL.