A Merced County distiller switched from vodka to sanitizer. Now schools will benefit

A local distiller who made a name for himself using sweet potatoes to make vodka is using his skills to help his alma mater and others fight the coronavirus.

David Souza, founder of Corbin Cash Distillery, on Monday donated 50 gallons of sanitizer to Merced Union High School District. He dropped off the gift Monday at a warehouse facility in Atwater. Experts say use of hand sanitizer is one way to help prevent coronavirus infection.

Souza said he wanted to give back to his community in a meaningful way during a time of need.

“We’re in dire straits and you know, we don’t know when this is going to end and we’re going to continue to make it as long as we can and as long as we can get the supplies for the hand sanitizer,” said Souza.

An Atwater High School graduate, the 45-year-old businessman and fourth-generation sweet potato farmer said that when the virus hit, the company was asked to make hand sanitizer.

The decision was made to shut down production of gin, vodka and whiskey to produce the sanitizer for local hospitals, essential businesses and the school district, he said.

Because of high demand, hand sanitizer is one of the products that has been difficult to get, according to Ted Walstrom, MUHSD director of facilities and planning, who oversees risk management.

“The front line people need to be able to sanitize their hands on a regular basis,” Walstrom said.

According to Walstrom, the hand sanitizer will be used at district front offices. A couple gallons will also go to each school cafeteria, as the district is still providing meals to student.

“It’s huge, and that’s really the community looking out for the community,” said Walstrom of the donation.