Harcum College Student Sews Masks for Those in Need

One of Harum’s six core values is community service. Students are encouraged to find ways to take the skills they learn in the classroom into the world in support of those in need. First-year Fashion Design major Jaelyn Ruiz wasted no time finding a way to put her sewing skills to work during the pandemic.

She’s been sewing since the age of ten, so it was no surprise when many friends and family were suggesting that she make masks. She reached out to several sewing groups in her area and connected with Doris Zellers, a woman from her church.

Zellers donated all the materials and provided instructions, so Ruiz could sew masks. It takes 5-8 minutes to sew each one. So far Ruiz has contributed around 20 masks. The sewing group has completed nearly 500 masks total. They donate them where the need is the greatest. For now, that is nursing homes and hospitals in the Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton area.

Ruiz is happy to be working and supporting those in need during the pandemic. She’s grateful for the generosity of those who have donated supplies so she can contribute in a positive way during the crisis.

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About Harcum College
Harcum College, one of Pennsylvania's first independent, associate's degree-granting colleges, was founded in Bryn Mawr, PA in 1915 and was the first college in Pennsylvania chartered by the state to grant associate degrees. Harcum offers fully accredited, career-ready majors in nursing, the allied health professions, business and social sciences on campus, online, and regionally, as well as lifelong learning programs for professional and personal development.