Update (April 8, 2pm): this week’s sanitizer supply is gone.

Jackson-based spirits distillery, Cathead Distillery, is reorienting their focus amid the Covid-19 virus, producing 42 tons of hand sanitizer.

While the majority of the product will be made available to health care facilities and essential infrastructure businesses, the City of Jackson will make self-service stations available at four local stores.

“Cathead has made a choice to be supportive and provide their resources to benefit the greater good,” said Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba. “Out of their generosity and philanthropic heart, (Cathead Distillery) will provide (this resource) for citizens to take advantage of as long as supplies last.”

The 55-gallon drums, along with a member of the Mayor’s cabinet, will be stationed at Walmart on Highway 18 and three Jackson Corner Market stores (formerly McDade’s) at Fondren, Maywood Mart and Belhaven beginning March 31 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Users are encouraged to bring and fill their own bottle, no larger than 12 ounces.

“Cathead Distillery is an integral part of the community and wants to give back,” said Richard Patrick, a co-founder of the ten-year-old distillery. “It’s been a big undertaking to pivot (our production) so quickly. Our team has done an incredible job getting this done and getting this out there.”

The Mayor called it “coming to the rescue in a time of need.”

“We would like to thank Cathead for being good corporate citizens at this very critical moment and time,” he said. “I am humbled by efforts such as that displayed by Cathead Vodka today and many other businesses across this city.”

Questions about the sanitizer? Email handsanitizer@catheaddistillery.com