Hundreds of CPS caseworkers are interacting with Texas families every day but now they'll be able to continue their work with much-needed protective masks.
They aren't doctors or nurses but child protective services are on the front lines of keeping Texas children safe every day.
"Every caseworker needs several because we are in and out of foster homes and we have to make sure we're safe and our kids are safe. So the more donations the better," said CPS PAL Coordinator Adrienne Payne.
Amid the shortage, the non-profit Partnerships for Children stepped up to seek donations so every caseworker still in the field in Texas is protected.
"Over 900 masks to go out today to our caseworkers who are working the front line to keep our children safe," said PFC Executive Director Kori Gough.
Payne is grateful.
"I got my mask last week. So I have a cloth mask and two disposable," she said.
COVID-19 has impacted the way CPS visits the children on their caseload but the mission remains the same.
"It has made it difficult but we have made all sorts of ways to see our youth and visit our youth. Of course, we still have to go into homes, hospitals, psychiatric hospitals so it's difficult but we're making it work," said Payne.
"What does it do for you to have that extra layer of resources?" asked KXXV Anchor Lindsay Liepman.
"It gives me an extra layer of confidence that I'm staying safe and I'm keeping the kids I serve safe at the same time," said Payne.
And as long as the pandemic continues, the donations will be needed. Learn more at https://partnershipsforchildren.org/.