A summer photo contest will showcase children ages 5-18 who live or go to school in Stonington, North Stonington and Groton making and wearing face masks, as protection against COVID-19.

The contest, sponsored by the volunteer community organization Stonington Helps Area Residents in Emergency, is focused on the importance of wearing face masks to protect against spreading COVID-19.

Winners will receive $50 gift cards to spend at local businesses, including ice cream and candy stores, pizza parlors and farm stands, toy and book stores, and local convenience stores. The deadline for the photo contest is 11:59 p.m. on June 25.

The face mask photo contest has three categories: selfies, a family group photo, and a public service message video. More details on what and how to submit contest photos can be found at http://www.stoningtonhelps.com, or by emailing sharemaskcontest@gmail.com.

Children under age 18 need permission of a parent/guardian to compete, using the form on the SHARE website.