Our COVID-19 Efforts

Our Priorities

In this unprecedented time, everything we do is being guided by three goals:

• Protecting the wellbeing of our Kraus community
• Continuing to serve and provide for our consumers
• Providing aid to COVID-19 first responders

Protecting our Employees

Our top concern is protecting the health and safety of our employees. Like most of the country, we are navigating new waters with many of us working from home and on-site teams reduced to essential staff. In our warehouses, we have implemented strict social-distancing and enhanced hygiene policies in compliance with federal and local regulations. Employee hours have been split into three shifts to reduce population density, and all staff are being provided with personal protective equipment like masks and gloves. We have also increased pay for hourly employees whose efforts are so vital to our continued operation.

Providing for our Customers

Having the ability to design, alter, and re-imagine the space you live in is vital to remaining happy and healthy. Never has it been more true than during these times of quarantine. Many of us are becoming ultra-aware of the importance of having a comfortable, functional and well-designed home. That is why we are doing our best to continue providing our customers with the high-quality products and services that they rely on us for.

Production and shipping of Kraus products are continuing at normal speed and capacity. Our teams are focusing more than ever on creating innovations that will respond to our changing world. In order to make it easier for consumers to renovate their homes while practicing safe social distancing, we are working on developing a series of simple installation videos to simplify the DIY remodeling process. As always, our sales and customer service teams remain available to support your needs.

Even in these extraordinary times, we are doing our best to keep things running smoothly for our customers and will continue to update you as the coming weeks unfold.

Caring for our Community

With our company headquarters located on Long Island, the epicenter of the global pandemic has landed close to home. In an effort to help with the growing crisis, we have pledged to provide $100K in protective masks to healthcare professionals, community organizations, and other essential workers across the greater New York City region. But this is just a benchmark - we will continue to leverage our supply chains to secure and distribute these essential supplies, for as long as we are able.

We have dubbed this campaign “KrausCares” and are working to spread the word of our efforts in order to reach those organizations in need of aid. We encourage other businesses and individuals to get involved and support the brave men-and women fighting on the frontlines of the coronavirus outbreak. Together, we can make a difference.

Daily Updates

Here is a breakdown of the organizations we have delivered masks to each day. This list is not comprehensive of all of the organizations that we have donated to. There are countless organizations working to fight the spread of coronavirus, caring for patients, and carrying out essential functions to help our communities operate under these extra-ordinary circumstances. We urge everyone with means to support organizations in their local communities.

At Kraus, we have found strength giving back to our community during this time of hardship. Through the past few days, we have been making donations to support the brave men and women who are protecting our community by fighting on the frontlines of the coronavirus. As of today, we have delivered over 10,000 surgical, KN95, N95 masks to various organizations including:

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May 10

To date, #KrausCares has delivered over 45,000 masks to essential workers and COVID-19 first responders. In response to the overwhelming demand, we have increased our donation pledge by $50,000.
Today, we made mask deliveries to several organizations in the NY area and beyond. We have been striving to provide support for organizations of all sizes, as many smaller groups are facing a great deal of difficulty in securing needed supplies. The strength and dedication of the people in these organizations is what inspires us to stay active in our cause. Keep up the good work! Below is a full list of the organizations that we had the pleasure of supporting today.

• Mercy Hospital – Chicago, Il
• University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System – Chicago, Il
• The Ronald McDonald House Charities – Long Island, NY
• Cinnaminson Police Department – Cinnaminson, NJ
• Delran Fire Department – Delran, NJ
• Nassau Veterans Center – Hicksville, NY
• Community Mainstreaming Associates, Inc. – New Cassel, NY

May 8

This was a very special day for the team at #KrausCares. In honor of Victory Day, we partnered with COJECO and NetCost Market to deliver 300 care packages to WWII Veterains in NYC. It was an honor to support our vets and bring smiles to their faces during these difficult times. Huge thanks to Rabbi Moishe Winner, and Ross Den for organizing the effort and sponsoring food.
Additionally, We had the opportunity to deliver mask shipments to the following organizations.

• Palmyra Police Department – Palmyra, NJ
• Riverside Fire Company – Riverside, NJ
• Cinnaminson Fire Dept – Cinnaminson, NJ

Thank you to all of you for continuing to support your communities throughout this pandemic.

May 2

We delivered a total of 2000 masks to the following organizations today. We continue to be impressed by the kindness in our communities and the indominable spirit of those fighting on the frontlines.

• NYPD 115th Precinct – Elmherst, Queens, NY
• Long Island State Veterans Home – Stony Brook, NY

This is the most affected facility in all of Nassau and Suffolk counties and yet, the nurses and doctors there are in good spirits as they continue to battle the virus daily.

• Huntington Hills Center for Health and Rehab – Melville, NY
• Randolph Rescue Squad – Randolph, NJ

This amazing group of volunteers is sacrificing their safety to protect others in their community. We are inspired to keep helping others by their example!

April 27

• SUNY Downstate Medical Center – Brooklyn, NY

One of the hardest hit areas in NYC, we were happy to deliver support to the folks at SUNY Downstate hospital. We donated 500 N95 masks to the doctors and nurses who have been working long hours in difficult conditions, as well as sponsoring 100 meals from Mealsforfrontlines.org.

April 24

EMS and First Aid teams are stepping up and saving lives across the country in response to COVID-19. We visited 2 teams in New Jersey today who have been working round the clock to provide aid. Thank you guys for all that you do!

• Budd Lake First Aid and Rescue Squad Station 27 – Mount Olive, NJ (500 masks)
• Flanders Fire Co #1 and Rescue Squad – Mount Olive, NJ (500 masks)

April 23

Today, we delivered 3000 masks to ten different nursing homes in Brooklyn and Queens. These facilities, which provide care and comfort for some of our most vulnerable populations, are still experiencing severe shortages, and we need to make them a priority. We want to thank the following nursing homes for all of the work that they do, and we’re happy to have had the opportunity to support them today:

• Menorah Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing Care – Brooklyn, NY
• Shoreview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center – Brooklyn, NY
• Sea Crest Nursing and Rehabilitation Center – Brooklyn, NY
• Saints Joachim & Anne Nursing & Rehabilitation Center – Brooklyn, NY
• Shorefront Jewish Geriatric Center – Brooklyn, NY
• Sea Gate Rehabilitation and Nursing Center – Brooklyn, NY
• King David Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation – Brooklyn, NY
• Haym Salomon Home for Nursing and Rehabilitation – Brooklyn, NY
• Windsor Park Nursing Home – Queens, NY
• Hollis Park Manor Rehabilitation and Nursing Center – Queens, NY

April 22

Today’s donations brought our total to 35,000 masks to-date! Knowing that we are helping our Healthcare Heroes and front-line workers to feel safer inspires us to keep going with our mission. We are getting daily requests and are trying to deliver masks as quickly as we can. During one of our stops at the BronxCare Hospital, it was both humbling and encouraging to meet some of the doctors face-to-face as they continue working tirelessly to protect our communities. We are continually grateful for the work that you are doing! Here are some more updates from the amazing organizations that we were able to support today.

• BronxCare Hospital – Bronx, NY (1000 masks)

This hospital is part of the largest non-profit health care system serving the South and Central Bronx community.

• Chabad Neshama Center – Brooklyn, NY (600 masks)

Organized by Rabbi Moishe Winner, this initiative collects and delivers care packages for the elderly who are quarantining during the outbreak. We were happy to support them with our donation of masks and financial aid.

• Menorah Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing Care – Brooklyn, NY

Providing rehabilitation and hospice care for our most vulnerable populations

• Nassau County Police Department 4th Precinct - Hewlett, NY (250 masks) Rockville Centre Police Department – Rockville Center, NY (250 masks)

April 21

• Town of Morris Plains, NJ

We had the opportunity to donate a shipment of 800 masks to our neighbors in Morris Plains NJ. The supplies were received by the Town Police Department, Fire Department, and the Morris Minute Men EMS Squad. In a touching gesture of thanks, they presented us with commemorative challenge coins – a reminder of the unbreakable spirit with which they fight for their community.

April 17

From the first days of the pandemic, our #KrausCares team has been working tirelessly to source and personally deliver protective equipment to first responders and organizations in need. Today, to celebrate his birthday, Russel Levi (CEO) has joined forces with several local businesses and arranged yet another delivery of masks, gloves, and meals to various locations. We delivered a total of 2500 masks, 9000 pairs of gloves, and 100 pizzas!

• Brookdale Hospital - Brooklyn, NY (500 masks and 2000 pairs of gloves)
• Coney Island Hospital - Brooklyn, NY (500 masks and 2000 pairs of gloves)
• FDNY 43^rd Battalion - Brooklyn, NY (100 masks)
• NYPD Precinct 60 and 61 - Brooklyn, NY (200 masks)
• Brooklyn Sanitation Department - Brooklyn, NY (250 masks and 1000pairs of gloves)
• USPS Post Offices - NYC (450 masks and 3000 pairs of gloves)

April 16

• NYPD 66th Precinct - Brooklyn, NY (300 masks donated)
• FDNY - Brooklyn, NY (1500 masks donated)
• Con-Edison - Brooklyn, NY (100 masks donated)

Today we delivered 4000 masks to several healthcare and essential community organizations. This brings our total donations to 29,000 masks to-date. We plan to continue sourcing and distributing PPE to those in need as supplies becomes available, throughout the remainder of this pandemic. We have also been partnering with local businesses and restaurants to provide meals for those on the front lines. We want to thank all those stepping up to help essential workers. We are inspired by the response of our local community and proud to be a part of it.

Local utility companies are continuing to work so that our communities can continue top function with running water and electricity. These guys are often working in small teams, but teams nonetheless. And it is vital that they have the proper protection to keep themselves and their co-workers safe.

• Good Samaritan Hospital - Islip, NY (1000 masks donated)
• Staten Island University Hospital - Staten Island, NY (500 masks donated)
• Interfaith Medical Center - Brooklyn, NY (100 masks donated)
• Elmhurst Hospital - Queens, NY (500 masks donated).

We have visited this hospital twice in the last few weeks, as the doctors there struggle to keep up with the massive number of cases. We are humbled and awed by the perseverance and dedication of the staff here. We are in your corner, cheering for you and offering our support because we believe in the work that you are doing.

April 15

• Towns of Roslyn and Port Washington, NY

We delivered some much-needed supplies to the essential workers here in our own backyard. We want to thank Roslyn UPS, the Port Washington Fire Department, the Port Washington Police Department, and St. Francis Hospital for keeping our community safe and operational during this pandemic.

April 14

• Plattduetsche Home Retirement Residence - Hempstead, NY

Continuing to support our neighbors around NYC, we delivered a shipment of masks to this nursing home in Hempstead, NY. It is amazing how people come together to support those in need, during times like these. We are inspired by these people who make it their life’s work to help others.

April 13

• Rogosin Institute - Brooklyn, NY
• Town of Coxsackie, NY

It is hard to believe that NYC has been confronting this virus for nearly a month now. While many are growing tired of the relentlessness of this struggle, that sentiment is mixed with a hopefulness and determination as our city digs it’s heels in to support first responders fighting on the frontlines, like those at the Rogosin Institute.

• Town of Coxsackie, NY

Despite aggressive efforts to curb the spread, coronavirus has had an impact on small towns North of NYC. We were happy to donate a shipment of 1500 masks to our neighbors in Coxackie, NY. The supplies were distributed to local EMS, Fire, and Police Departments who were previously without adequate protection.

April 12

• Ronald McDonald House Charities - Long Island, NY
• Elmhurst Hospital - Queens, NY

This national non-profit provides care for child cancer patients. While coronavirus is less common among young people, it is very aggressive towards groups with pre-existing illnesses. The resilience of children in the face of hardship is inspirational. We are happy to support this organization that shines even in the darkest of times with the donation of 1000 protective masks. 

• Elmhurst Hospital - Queens

We delivered a shipment of 500 masks to this hospital which is in one of the hardest hit areas of the City. It has been great seeing the outpouring of support for local healthcare workers as NYC bands together to fight coronavirus.

April 11

• Maimonidies Hospital - Brooklyn, NY
• NYPD’s 68th Precinct - Brooklyn, NY

Today we made yet another delivery of 1200 masks to local hospitals. We have found ourselves running into other familiar faces as we make our rounds - other New Yorkers who are fighting to protect their community with deliveries of food, supplies, and PPE. NYC is a great place to be when times are good… But is really something to see when the going gets tough.

• NYPD’s 68th Precinct

This NYC precinct was without ANY protective gear for its officers when we visited. We were happy to support and protect the men and women who protect our local community.

April 10

• Langone Hospital - Brooklyn, NY
• Brooklyn Veterans Hospital - Brooklyn, NY
• Coney Island Hospital - Brooklyn, NY

Doctors and nurses were still facing huge shortages in PPE when we visited Langone Hospital. We were surprised to find that even some of the larger hospitals were without proper supplies. The staff were extremely grateful for our delivery of 500 masks. These guys are truly heroes for what they are doing.

• Brooklyn Veterans Hospital - Brooklyn

We were very happy to support this hospital which cares for a disproportional number of elderly and vulnerable populations with a shipment of 500 N95 masks. Amazing people, doing amazing work, with an enduring sense of humor. Times are very tough right now. But Brooklyn Veterans Hospital reminded us that laughter is some of the best medicine.

• Coney Island Hospital - Brooklyn

Coney Island has one of the busiest ICU’s in the area, even in the best of times. Now doctors here are working tirelessly to treat the influx of coronavirus patients. We supplied them with 500 masks, but they are still in desperate need of support. Again, the staff remained in good spirits despite the huge task that they are up against. Another reminder of how strong New Yorker’s can be when the going gets tough.

April 8

• USA Vascular Centers

We combined efforts with USA Vascular Centers to address the COVID-19 pandemic. This organization, which typically focuses on cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries, has re-allocated beds for treating coronavirus patients. To support this operation, we donated 2000 masks to the first responders who will be operating that facility.

April 5

• RHS Healthcare - Brooklyn, NY
• STS Medical - Brooklyn, NY
• Brooklyn Hospital - Brooklyn, NY
• Maimonides Hospital - Brooklyn, NY
• Ronald McDonald House Charities - Long Island, NY
• NYC Police Department - New York, NY