Sloan, a world-leading manufacturer of commercial plumbing systems, has donated its mobile handwashing stations to four Chicago area schools to enhance hygiene as students begin to reenter the classroom.

The donation was made through the Wood Family Foundation's Pitch In program, an initiative working to facilitate collaborative relationships between school partners and families to provide support and opportunities to empower students to succeed in middle school, high school, and beyond.

Equipped with hands-free, sensor-operated technology, Sloan's mobile handwashing stations are designed to enable more convenient handwashing options placed anywhere inside or outside a building where hygiene is essential.

"Hand hygiene is so crucial to enhancing health and wellness right now in all venues — and schools are right at the top of that list," said Graham Allen, Sloan co-president and CEO. "We've been proud partners with the Wood Family Foundation since its inception, and we're so pleased to be able to work with them once again to deliver hygiene-friendly solutions in Chicago schools through our mobile handwashing stations."

"Sloan and the Allen Family have made a tremendous impact on our organization over the last 10 years," said Kerry Wood, founder, Wood Family Foundation. "They have stepped up time and again for our students and their communities. COVID-19 has hit the neighborhoods we serve in ways that are unimaginable. Making our schools safe and fulfilling sanitation needs is an important step in bringing our students back to school and in the classroom safely. The handwashing stations bring a peace of mind to our school administrators, faculty, our students, and even their families at home. I cannot thank Sloan and the Allen family enough for their generosity and support over the years, but more importantly, now, in this time of uncertainty and need. Chuck, Jim, Kirk, and Graham, thank you just isn't enough. You all are truly the best!"

Sloan and the Wood Family Foundation support the Children First Fund: The Chicago Public Schools Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting the Chicago Public Schools in its ultimate goal of providing a high quality education for every child, in every neighborhood, that prepares each student for success in college, career, and civic life.

Sloan provided mobile handwashing stations to Richard Yates Elementary School, Bernhard Moos Elementary School, Charles Sumner Math and Science Academy, and Lawndale Community Academy.

Fatima Cooke, principal at Charles Sumner Math and Science Academy, noted that the mobile handwashing stations will be placed in the cafeteria. Lauren Degiulio, principal at Moos Elementary School, said Sloan's health and wellness solution will be installed in high-traffic areas like the cafeteria and front office.

"The Yates Elementary Bears are thrilled to accept the donation of the Sloan Handwashing Station from the Wood Family Foundation," added Yates Elementary School principal Israel Perez. "While we continue to do everything we can to make sure our students and staff stay safe during this pandemic, this donation means our community will always have clean hands in our common spaces. Our kids must keep learning, and healthy bodies and minds are required to do so! Sloan is a true partner to our school."

Sloan's mobile handwashing stations are available as self-contained water or water line-connected handwashing stations. All five available models include a sensor-operated paper towel dispenser and a wall-mounted foam soap dispenser. Additionally, each station is equipped with a 16-gallon greywater tank, and select models have a hot water heater or two five-gallon water jugs.