Howard County Fifth Grader Sews Masks For Essential Workers

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — Inspired by an enrichment class offered at his school, fifth grader Joel Temple at St. John's Parish Day School has been creating face masks for those on the front line and others in need of protection during the coronavirus pandemic.

Joel learned how to sew in a class led by Katherine Khandjian at his school. He decided to make his first mask for his dad.

"I started sewing masks because my dad still had to go to work and I wanted to make him a mask so he was safe," said Joel.

The fifth grader's mom showed one of his masks to his sister's allergy doctor who encouraged Joel to continue creating them for others. So the family reached out to Khandjian for assistance. She helped them tweak the sewing machine and encouraged Joel to find a mask pattern he was comfortable using.

So far, he's made more than 200 masks and sews in-between and after his online classes and on weekends. Joel has been selling his masks for $5 to help cover the cost of materials. His family also pitches in to help with this big project. Joel sews in the dining room, his mom irons and his dad and sister trim fabric.

"I love helping people. I see how expensive the style I make are on the internet. I want everyone to be able to afford a cloth mask," Joel told Patch.

Joel's masks have been bought by family, friends, employees at Brightview Senior Living and by people in other states.