'Willing Hands Of Love': 2,600 Masks Donated To Local Students

RIVERHEAD, NY — During an unprecedented time, the Riverhead community continues to join "willing hands" and hearts to help their children.

"Masks for Students" is a new, grassroots group of parents and community members formed to help keep students safe as they return to their classrooms by providing them with face coverings. So far, the group has made an initial donation of $2,600 masks to the Riverhead Central School District.

The masks, 80 percent of which are handmade, are being delivered to each principal of the district’s seven schools to ensure every student’s back-to-school supplies include personal protection, according to Diane Tucci. Tucci is a parent, high school PTSO co-vice president and owner of Main Street Media, a Riverhead-based marketing, production and event management firm.

Tucci said the idea for "Masks for Students" was born after she spoke with teachers, including Keri Stromski, a kindergarten teacher at Aquebogue Elementary School, about challenges faced by children heading back to school during the pandemic.

“I was concerned that some children would have fancy masks and different designs, while others would have the plain ones, which could make children feel bad about the type of masks they had," Stromski said. "Being able to have all of the children have a special mask with designs, made for them by community members, not only helps them feel excited about the masks, but also lets them know that people care about them and their feelings. This has been challenging for everyone, and to make a child feel special and loved is always a good thing.”

Tucci set up a GoFundMe site with a goal of raising $5,000 — or 10,000 masks.

"Right now we are in unprecedented times," the GoFundMe page said. "With so much financial hardship, we want to alleviate the stress on families and on teachers. Also, for many kids, they may not have access to more durable cloth masks. It's our hope to raise funds to purchase both pre-made cloth masks and also supplies for the community to come together and sew masks for our youth."

Most students, especially the younger ones, will need at least two to three masks, the page said. "Younger elementary kids may need more. We want to keep them safe and happy so everyone can spend more time on learning and school activities," Tucci added.

"Masks for Students" also has a Facebook group.

Riverhead High School PTSO President Mary Maki and Riverhead Middle School PTO President Stephanie Burns have also been instrumental in the campaign, Tucci said

“Parents and teachers have enough to worry about,” said Tucci. “We want our kids to be safe and comfortable and realize this is going to be an ongoing need throughout the school year.”

Tucci added the response has been “amazing. It’s incredibly heartwarming to see the support. We have some people donating money or purchasing new masks for distribution while others are buying supplies and sewing the masks themselves. As of now, more than 63 people have been involved in some way.”

Resident and community activist Marilyn Winter, who helped to gather donations, added: “As a mother, grandmother and neighbor, keeping the most vulnerable safe is near and dear to my heart. I felt in a small way I would help by pulling together those who have been making masks and those who would be able to donate. Our community joined together for our students and formed a committee of 63 willing hands of love.”

Phillips Avenue Elementary School students received the first batch of masks.

“The students at Phillips Avenue are truly grateful," said Principal Debra Rodgers. "This initiative by 'Masks for Students' is a true testament to our collective strength and influence.”

Rodgers thanked the volunteers, donors, and businesses that made this donation possible.

Those interested in supporting "Masks for Students" can donate through GoFundMe or drop off masks at Riverhead Vacuum Sewing Center, located at 31 East Main Street in Riverhead. Materials and supplies are also available for those willing to sew.

Additional masks will be delivered to Riverhead High School, Roanoke Avenue Elementary School, and Aquebogue Elementary School on Tuesday.