As Minnesota schools begin the 2020-21 academic year under new public health protocols, Bremer Bank today donated 6,600 neck straps to Alexandria Public Schools and the Brandon-Evansville ISD 2908. Made possible through a partnership with the Alexandria-based plastics injection molding company Donnelly Custom Manufacturing, the neck straps will be available to every student, teacher and faculty member at each school.
“Like many of our previous routines, this year’s back to school season looks a little different for students and educators returning to the classroom,” said Tony Loosbrock, business banking team lead at Bremer Bank’s Alexandria branch. “We are so glad to collaborate with our longtime business banking partner, Donnelly Custom Manufacturing, to provide a creative and useful tool to help students adjust to their new school experiences."
Donnelly Custom Manufacturing produced the neck strap to provide relief for the ears from the straps on face masks. Built to be bendable, the one-size-fits-all straps attach to a mask’s elastic bands that loop around a users’ ears. Any pressure built up in the sensitive area behind the ear from extended periods of mask wearing is then transferred to the back of the neck, relieving the more delicate spot of tension. As an added bonus, the Donnelly neck strap can also be decorated; kids are welcome to personalize the accessory by writing their name, drawing or coloring on the strip of plastic.
“At Donnelly are very excited about working with Bremer Bank and happy to provide a resource for students, educators and faculty that will help them feel a little extra comfort while wearing masks throughout the day,” said Ron Kirscht, president at Donnelly Custom Manufacturing.
“This new academic year is going to be a different experience for everyone in a number of ways,” said Rick Sansted, Alexandria Public Schools superintendent. “These neck straps are a wonderfully useful tool in helping our students feel more comfortable and focused while wearing their face masks during the school day. Thank you, Bremer Bank and Donnelly Custom Manufacturing, for your generous donation that supports our learners during these uncertain times.”
