News

Volunteers Deliver 3D Printed Face Shields to Los Angeles Hospitals and First Responders with MatterHackers and Phillips 66 Los Angeles Refinery

April 28, 2020 | Categories: COVID19, Member News

In response to a massive PPE shortage due to the COVID-19 crisis, MatterHackers – a Southern California based 3D printing retailer – and Phillips 66 Los Angeles Refinery have partnered to deliver thousands of volunteer-produced 3D printed face shields, meals, and other supplies to Los Angeles Southbay area hospitals and first responders, including Kaiser Permanente South Bay Medical Center, Providence Little Company of Mary in San Pedro, LA Port Police at USNS Mercy, YMCA Homeless Hygiene Centers, and more.

Phillips66 announced a commitment of $3 million to support COVID-19 relief efforts, including localized grants for organizations getting desperately needed PPE into the hands of first responders in their local plant areas, including Los Angeles Refinery in Wilmington, CA. Public Affairs & Community Relations Advisor Juliana L. Moreno heard about the PPE that MatterHackers was already donating in Orange County through their Maker Response Hub, and awarded them with a $25,000 grant (through nonprofit partner ATHENA Response) to cover costs for thousands of PPE to be delivered to the South Bay area of Los Angeles.

“Normally my focus is to support the next generational leader to explore STEAM education by way of community outreach and philanthropy. Phillips 66 is an industry leader when it comes to protecting and safeguarding our team and the communities we work in utilizing technology. We wanted to find a way to incorporate STEAM education and technology while protecting those on the frontlines of COVID-19. When we learned that MatterHackers partners with students and teachers using 3D printer technology to create PPE, we knew the collaboration would be perfect!” – Public Affairs & Community Relations Advisor Juliana L. Moreno

The Maker Response Hub, who has delivered over 38,000 3D printed face shields to hospitals across the US to date, was in the perfect position to help Phillips 66 Los Angeles Refinery achieve its goal of geo-targeting South Bay 3D printing volunteers to quickly produce 3D printed face shields, a critical piece of PPE when fighting COVID-19. Bill Palmatary, a Redondo Beach small business owner using 3D printers to make drone camera mounts for aerial filming, was already printing PPE for a local nurse friend when he got the call to help.

“The bizarre part of it is I’m at home, living a relatively easy life, and they are working 12-hour shifts, risking infection every day…yet they are so amazingly grateful. They send pictures of their teams and talk about how a simple mask extender has changed their entire day, as their – actual quote – ‘torn, scabbed-over ears’ are finally given a reprieve. To see Phillips 66 recognize the good that is being done and amplify it with financial support was really nice. They have helped greatly with visibility, outreach, and funding that keeps so many people making making making… and helping helping helping.” – Bill Palmatary, Aerial West Films, Redondo Beach 3D Printing Volunteer

Palmatary was introduced to another local volunteer from Maker Response Hub, designer Shane Foley, who was already 3D printing ear protectors for frontline medical needs. Foley switched to printing face shields for MatterHackers, and Palmatary offered his home as a delivery spot for the other local volunteers printing for the cause. He also volunteered his skills as a photographer to document deliveries of meals and thousands of PPE to local hospitals, accompanying MatterHackers’ Director of Business Development, Mara Hitner, and Moreno to locations including:

• Kaiser Permanente South Bay Medical Center
• Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center – San Pedro
• Centinela Hospital Medical Center
• Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
• LA County Sheriff Department – Carson Station
• Los Angeles Port Police – USNS Mercy (T-AH-19) Hospital Ship
• YMCA Wilmington
• YMCA Gardena-Carson (with Assemblyman Mike Gipson – 64th Assembly District)

Other local volunteers were also engaged to 3D print shields for their hometown heroes on the frontlines, including educators like Theadore Harder, the Robotics Coach at Long Beach Unified School District.

“The Maker Response Hub was a great learning opportunity for me. I was thrilled to put what I teach into practice helping protect our frontline healthcare workers. It is different from printing a toy or widget when a failed print means a delay in delivering these face shields. The support I got from MatterHackers helped me solve the challenges that I faced in printing 50 face shields in 1 week.” – Theadore Harder, Robotics Coach at Long Beach Unified School District

In addition to 3D printed PPE made by the hard-working volunteers of the Maker Response Hub, Phillips 66 Los Angeles Refinery was able to donate meals from family-owned Raffaello Ristorante and other supplies to first responders and healthcare professionals.

“Over 4,700 volunteers have been 3D printing PPE across the country for Maker Response Hub hospitals in need for weeks, donating their own time and materials. MatterHackers is grateful for Phillips 66 Los Angeles Refinery’s financial support of our South Bay makers so that they can continue to print much needed PPE for local facilities. This crisis is bigger than any one company or organization – we only win when we stand together as a community.” – Mara Hitner, Director of Business Development, MatterHackers

“The gift bags and PPE could not come at a better time. It is a morale booster for our Deputies. We have Deputies that are isolating themselves from their families and sleep in separate areas because of the work they are doing day-to-day. Thank you Phillips 66 and MatterHackers for your support.” – Captain Jason Skeen, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

“I am grateful that Phillips 66 and MatterHackers were able to provide face shields for our volunteers that are on the frontline assisting with this program. Thank you, not only did you provide these shields, but you also brought goodie bags with essentials, masks, sanitizer, and a thank you gas card. Thank you for caring for our well-being, and for quickly responding to our need.” – Executive Director Yolanda De La Torre, YMCA Wilmington

For the entire press release and more photo assets, click here or contact community@matterhackers.com.

ABOUT MATTERHACKERS
MatterHackers is the largest 3D printing retailers in the U.S. Their Orange County showroom is home to 70+ 3D printer models and 1000+ materials, also available at www.matterhackers.com. MatterHackers’ mission is to make 3D printing and digital fabrication easier and more accessible for everyone by providing guidance and recommendations to help schools, businesses, and individuals get started (or stay current) with 3D printing. MatterHackers provides free phone and email support for everything we sell, and US shipping is always free.

ABOUT PHILLIPS 66
Phillips 66 is a diversified energy manufacturing and logistics company. With a portfolio of Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, and Marketing and Specialties businesses, the company processes, transports, stores and markets fuels and products globally. Phillips 66 Partners, the company’s master limited partnership, is integral to the portfolio. Headquartered in Houston, the company has 14,500 employees committed to safety and operating excellence. Phillips 66 had $59 billion of assets as of Dec. 31, 2019. Using a network of branded marketers and dealers operating approximately 7,000 outlets, it’s U.S. Marketing business supplies TOP TIER® Detergent Gasolines under the Phillips 66®, 76® and Conoco® brands. The 76® brand, with its iconic orange ball, has been serving the needs of the motoring public since 1932. From upgraded stations to TOP TIER® gas at more than 1,800 retail locations across the country, 76® is committed to being on the driver’s side. For more information, visit www.phillips66.com or follow us on Twitter @Phillips66Co.

Courtesy of MatterHackers