Local Student-Run Organization Helps Businesses Fight The Outbreak

Staff Reports

A local chapter of a non-profit organization has made it their mission to help businesses fight the outbreak in Hays County.

Break The Outbreak is a national student-run organization with a mission to limit the spread of COVID-19 by equipping grocery stores, restaurants, senior citizen homes, food banks, and other businesses in their area with personal protective equipment.

The PPE is handmade and donated to local businesses that are fighting to stay open during the pandemic.

On Sept. 16, Hays County’s Chapter of BTOB donated 15 face shields to the Beijing Bistro in Buda.

BTOB Hays County was started two months ago by High School Student Krystal Cortez, who has been growing a team of like-minded students from around the county.

Hays County’s chapter has seven leaders as well as a number of members who help produce face masks and face shields as well as donate hand sanitizer.

“BTOB is a great opportunity to help my community with the support of other like-minded people,” Cortez said in her mission statement. “I hope to positively impact as many people in my community as possible.”

Teagan Korzeniewski said students who want to give back to the community are always welcome to join and reach out to the BTOB Hays Team to find out how.

According to Korzeniewski, she has been reaching out to local businesses around Hays County asking if they’d be interested in receiving donations and has only received a couple of responses.

But businesses interested in receiving donations can reach out to Korzeniewski directly via email or request supplies through the Break the Outbreak website.

The national organization was started by High School Student Sky Yang in Dublin, California.

Those interested in starting a chapter in their area can reach out to Break the Outbreak here. Anyone interested in making a donation to help students’ efforts can donate through the organizations’ GoFundMe page.