Bags and masks have started to come in. I've put a counter on the new Bags page so you can see how far we need to go: 17 down, 283 to go! You will find the updated instructions for the bag sewing on that page as well. Remember - we need the 24" x 24" ones first.
Please excuse the frequent updates on the patterns. We are inventing this project as we go. Thanks to Cindy and Sabra for their help troubleshooting the Citizen Mask designs. Thanks to Steve and Sherri for bringing us the FIRST batch of bags today.
At French Broad Sewing and Upholstery, they are fine tuning the nose pieces for the Frontline Masks. Lucas Waller designed a special jig to wrap several dozen at once. James Burns and Elizabeth Eve from Ortho Dog Shop have also stepped up big time in aiding the commercial production, with their die cut machine and speedy sewing team. So many generous and creative people are making this happen as fast as we possibly can. The Citizen Mask patterns are ready for download. There are now TWO patterns: the original face conforming style (Mask 1) and a new rectangular pleated style (Mask 2). We also improved the Mask 1 pattern by putting a grid under it for more accuracy. Please read the sewers info page first then GO… or keep reading and help us with our bag drive. In yesterday’s newsletter we requested cloth bags for use in transport and laundering. Sewers, we have a BIG need to acquire three hundred 24" x 24" bags from you as soon as possible. To help, follow these steps:
We are working on an FAQ for all your questions, We have yet figure out the answers to some of them! This is a fluid process, thank you for your patience. Masks of Love is grateful to Dogwood Health Trust for their partnership. Without hesitation, they jumped in with seed money to get this effort off the ground. Funds donated will go towards the purchase of materials, including the HEPA filters and other essential needs to support this community effort. THANK YOU On behalf of the medical community and the organizers of Masks of Love WNC, thank you SO MUCH for your help in this effort to save lives. Every stitch counts! If you are interested in being a driver, a wire wrapper, a filter cutter, or a bag packer, please send us an email and put VOLUNTEER in the subject line. Thank you! DROP OFF INFO
Bring your finished bags to Flora Botanicals, 428 B Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806. Hours are Monday - Wednesday - Friday 12-2PM Questions? Email us at masksoflovewnc@gmail.com Stuff is happening fast, and it needs to. We are now making 2 types of masks: 1. Professionally sewn masks for higher risk medical workers. We have several wonderful local companies working on this, die cutters, upholstery and apparel shops. 2. Citizen Masks - This type is where the community sewers come in. These will be used for asymptomatic patients in medical offices, nursing homes, non-front line health care positions, as well as grocery stores, pharmacies etc. We have completed our Citizen Mask pattern and you can find it HERE. For more info on the masks, go HERE. We have also compiled a list of other community mask sewing projects around the US and the world. If you are not in Western NC but want to help, check that out. Our Gofundme is up to 6917.00 in 2 days! Masks of Love is grateful to Dogwood Health Trust for their partnership. Without hesitation, they jumped in with seed money to get this effort off the ground. Funds donated will go towards the purchase of materials and other essential needs to support this community effort. The power of community is really the silver lining in this crazy time. Welcome! The process for supplying, making and distributing masks is still developing. We are glad you want to be a part of it. Sewers and other volunteers sign up here.
Medical workers who need masks, please email us here. We have pulled this together in less than 24 hours. The Gofundme raised over $3000. We are in dialogue with a major donor. We have so many caring humans wanting to volunteer. Sit tight as we figure out the logistics. Follow us on FB where the latest updates are shared. |
Masks of Love WNCwas created in Western North Carolina in March 2020 as a response to our community shortage of PPE in the face of Covid 19. We created an all volunteer effort to get cloth masks into the hands of those that needed them most. Now, Masks of Love has grown into a business that is providing local jobs while staying committed to our mission of donating masks to our under-served neighbors. We have donated almost 10, 000 masks since we began. Learn more about our community partners here. Archives
December 2021
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