As a family-owned business in New York City's Chinatown since 1971, Joanne Kwong had to temporarily close Pearl River Mart’s three stores, including the MOCA Shop by Pearl River at the museum. Shortly after, Joanne and her parents-in-law Mr. and Mrs. Chen joined many Asian American community members to tap into their contacts, source masks and other PPE. Early in the outbreak in NYC, Pearl River Mart made a substantial donation of KN95s to Elmhurst Hospital and then a second donation to Charles B. Wang Community Health Center. Pearl River Mart was supported by fellow NYC and small businesses such as ea and Milk, Fat Witch Bakery, Hanky Panky and Calligaris NYC.
Joanne and Pearl River Mart are currently in the process of procuring a larger shipment of 30,000 KN95s.
Reprinted for use in China Insight only with permission by Museum of Chinese in America and Pearl River Mart