Community Corner
'Desperate' Need For Volunteers To Sew Masks For MA Reopening
The Worcester-based group Masks Now needs to make 6,000 masks, but there aren't enough people to do the work.
WORCESTER, MA — Massachusetts this week began the process of reopening as coronavirus begins to wane. But a group dedicated to making face coverings for local residents says the state may not have enough masks for people returning to work and other activities.
The group Masks Now has received requests for over 6,000 face coverings. So far, 29 Massachusetts volunteers have been able to make only about 600 masks. A shortage of volunteers is preventing them from fulfilling all the requests.
"With over 6,000 masks now requested and more inquiries coming every day, we desperately need local volunteers to sew, donate fabric, and deliver masks,” Masks Now leader Izzy Hessler said in a news release. "We are working non-stop to fulfill the demand because each home-sewn mask we provide for high-risk communities and essential workers means FDA-approved manufactured masks are more readily available to clinicians who are treating COVID-19 patients."
Masks Now formed this spring to link volunteer mask-makers with requests for masks. For example, a day care center could ask Masks Now for help providing workers with face coverings. The group has also standardized the mask-making process so volunteers are all producing a single type of face covering.
Gov. Charlie Baker on May 6 ordered all state residents to wear masks while out in public. The order is still in effect. Baker's phased reopening plan for the state also calls for masks to be worn in places like churches, restaurants, and salons as they reopen.
Face coverings cannot prevent a person from contracting coronavirus — so far, only N95-rates masks can — but they can cut down on asymptomatic spread of the virus.
To volunteer, visit the Masks Now website, email masksnowma@gmail.com, or text “masks” to 50409.
