Chicago company making Hispanic Heritage Month masks to support, mitigate pandemic's effects on Latinx community

CHICAGO -- A Chicago-based mask company is honoring Chicago's Latinx community with Hispanic Heritage Month masks.

The company, Pride Masks, has made a collection to celebrate Chicago's Hispanic community. Owner Alan Spaeth started his mask business when he used material from his previous business to make masks for first responders. Spaeth also makes flags and costumes for performers.

"The Hispanic population is disproportionately affected by COVID. We wanted to try to help and lessen the effects of COVID by giving them a reason to wear a masks by showing their Hispanic pride," Spaeth said.

Spaeth said he also decided to pay tribute to the Hispanic community because his staff is over 80% Hispanic.