Community Face Mask Makers Needed For Coronavirus Shortage

OAK LAWN, IL — To help with the shortage of disposable face masks during the coronavirus crisis, St. Gerald's Church in Oak Lawn is launching a community initiative to make fabric face masks for health care workers, seniors and other at-risk persons. St. Gerald parishioner Lydia Blachowicz is asking quilters and sewers to dig into their stash of fabric and start sewing.

On Friday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker ordered the mandatory closure of "non-essential" stores and businesses, and for people to stay at home as much as possible starting at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 21, through April 7 to reduce community spread of COVID-19.

Fabric can be purchased online through Amazon or Joann Fabrics. Walmart will also stay open during the coronavirus shutdown to sell groceries and medicine.

"If you can sew, we need your help," Lydia said. "Disposable face masks are in short supply, and the fabric masks will be distributed as needed to local health care providers, home care workers, and nursing homes."

The masks aren't meant to replace the specialized personal protective equipment worn by doctors and health care workers in hospitals, but rather the disposable masks that you'd find at Walgreens or CVS before supplies ran out. Lydia found a simple design which Patch has included here. The design is also posted on the St. Gerald Women’s Club Facebook page, which we've embedded.

"Quilters always have a stash of fabric," Lydia said, who was over at her mom's making masks. 'There are a lot of designs and suggestions online which can be overwhelming. Simple is best."

Any tightly woven, all-cotton material, such as bleached muslin, which is lightweight and durable, can be used, along with extra-wide double-folded bias tape. The masks need to be lightweight but durable so people can breathe through them. Also, the seams need to be strong so the masks can be laundered and reused.

A collection box for completed masks has been set up in the vestibule at Oak Lawn Village Hall, 9446 S. Raymond Ave., on the west side of the building by the police entry. (Please put the masks in plastic bags.)

For any questions, please email community.mask.initiative@gmail.com.