Richland County Councilwoman Yvonne McBride will help give away face masks at a 2020 Census event as part of the County’s efforts to help combat the spread of COVID-19.

The socially distanced, walk-up event, the final stop of the Cola City Census Joy Tour, will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24 at Gable Oaks Apartments, 901 Colleton St., Columbia.

Masks will be distributed in packs of two on a first-come, first-serve basis. Residents can enjoy free food and prizes when they complete the census at the event, which also will feature music.

“Richland County sees the importance of utilizing community partnerships to ensure residents have access to resources and information that will help improve their lives,” McBride said.  

“This event allows us to gives masks directly to residents while making sure they are counted in the 2020 Census, which will impact the County for years to come.”

McBride represents District 3, which encompasses Gable Oaks in the North Columbia area.

The City of Columbia’s Complete Count Committee created the Joy Tour to increase census participation in hard-to-count areas and link residents with needed services.

The mask distribution is part of a larger effort by Richland County to distribute face coverings and help residents follow the County’s mask requirement. The County recently acquired and packaged about 67,000 disposable masks, which are being given away at various locations.

For more information on the mask ordinance and upcoming mask distribution events in the County, visit www.richlandcountysc.gov/facemasks.