Summit Sewing Squad Now Raising Funds To Donate Face Shields

SUMMIT, NJ — Several weeks ago, Summit volunteer Vicki Lederman contacted Patch to find a few sew-ers in the Summit area who wanted to coordinate their mask-making efforts. After a story, the group swelled to nearly 90 volunteers.

Now, they've founded SASS, the Summit Area Sewing Squad. And after delivering more than 3,500 masks to the area hospitals with the greatest need, they have a new initiative.

While the Squad continues to make masks, they are raising funds to purchase plastic face shields for the Tri-State hospitals in the greatest crisis.

Thus, SASS is launching a major campaign to raise $5,000 to purchase 1,600 protective plastic face shields, to be delivered with their masks to frontline healthcare providers.

Until the end of April, all donated funds will be earmarked to purchase protective face shields. SASS is extending this challenge to the local business community to pledge matching funds to double the amount it raises, doubling the number of shields it can purchase and donate.

To kick off this drive, SASS has already purchased and delivered 350 face shields from previously donated funds. With the help of medical professionals, Union based Thermo Plastic Tech Inc, was chosen as the supplier.

In order to make it easy for donors, the New Providence Lions Club, a qualified 501C(3) charity, has agreed to host the Squad’s fundraising efforts. Online donations can be made at: https://www.nplions.org/members/donation_sass.php

To send a check, make it payable to the New Providence Lions Club. Write, “SASS face shield” in the memo line. Checks may be mailed to the New Providence Lions Club, PO Box 854, New Providence, NJ 07974.

At the end of the drive SASS will publish a full list of all recipient hospitals and of all donors contributing $500 or more on its Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/SASSmasks/

Lederman said, "Everyone at SASS thanks you for your contribution to help keep our frontline healthcare workers safe."

Got Summit news? Email caren.lissner@Patch.com