Mask makers bring safety and support to KBH staff and residents

Once Pat Jahn of The Woods of King-Bruwaert- Burr Ridge learned in March that hand-made masks could be useful to the staff of King-Bruwaert House (KBH), she conceived a plan to help. An experienced and talented quilter, she found it serendipitous that she had an inventory of five yards of cotton duck fabric plus even more in storage. She also discovered a plentiful supply of elastic in a box of items she purchased at a church sale.

“As a quilter, I had the supplies to support a need during the pandemic,” Jahn said.

Jahn found mask patterns online that she shared with KBH nursing managers. Working with an approved pattern, she dedicated many hours to making the masks, delivering more than 150 to the KBH Nursing Department. Jahn said it took about a half hour to complete each mask for staff, residents and friends.

“With each mask I make, I pray for those who wear it, for the people they take care of, as well as their families and colleagues,” Jahn said. “I pray that they will be safe and healthy,” she added. “I feel I am doing something helpful to fight the battle against the virus.”

Frontline nursing staff currently are using KBH-approved disposable masks that provide a level of protection for daily use. The donated cloth masks have been offered to all staff members who do not provide personal care to residents, according to Karen Miller, Senior Director of Resident Services. With sufficient supply, employees will be given the opportunity to take masks home to use while they are conducting essential shopping and other tasks. In addition, masks have been offered to residents who choose to wear them in the company of others.

As the usefulness of the cloth masks became apparent, Miller opted to expand the project, requesting donations of more fabric and elastic from the greater community, the village and the Willowbrook-Burr Ridge Chamber of Commerce. She and Marketing Department staff called upon all interested sewing enthusiasts to consider making the masks for KBH staff and residents. In short notice, Miller was pleasantly surprised to receive donations and finished masks. She was especially moved by the colorful masks donated by two sisters, ages 9 and 12, who added “You are loved” tags to their donations.

“This was such sweet thing to do,” Miller said. “They were making the masks and thinking about our residents and staff.”

In recent weeks, several hundred masks have been donated to KBH - and the need continues. State and local health officials are encouraging first responders and all people to wear masks while they are out in the community conducting any necessary business. Since fabric masks should be cleaned after each use, ideally there should be a rotation with availability of more than one mask per person. Hence more masks will be needed to keep people safe.

“These cloth masks have helped us to conserve our disposable masks,” Miller said. “We are grateful to all those who have come forward with their donations.”

Kindness has also been shown to KBH staff from generous resident families and fellow employees who have stepped in to provide meals and snacks as positive signs of support during the pandemic. These special touches recognize the people who bring dedication and compassion to the lives of others.

“The masks and the food items are wonderful donations that show our staff that all their efforts to protect our residents are greatly appreciated,” Miller said.

Anyone interested in donating fabric, elastic or personal sewing skills to make masks should contact Miller at kmiller@kbhouse.org.

“This is a nervous time for many and masks can help people feel safer,” Miller said.