Friends,

 

If you’re looking for a way to be agents of resurrection in these days when resurrection is getting difficult to see, here is a way you can contribute.

 

We’ve been in conversation with a couple of medical professionals in our area who have hammered home just how underprepared our healthcare system is to handle the number of COVID-19 cases that will come up in the coming days. There are many things they are short on, but one of them is protective masks, necessary for keeping caregivers safe and able to provide help.

 

This is where we need your help. 

 

If you have a sewing machine or can borrow one, you can help make a difference.

 

There are simple patterns and instructions online for how to assemble a protective mask at home using readily available materials, and if you find yourself with free time while sheltering-in-place, you can help provide caregivers with much needed protective masks.

 

Assemble the masks at home, and then over the next few weeks, on Fridays between the hours of 1-2pm, drop off your masks at the box by the front door of Northminster (2701 Lamy Ln). Someone will be present inside the building to monitor the drop-offs, though we ask that you maintain a distance of 6 feet and refrain from touching the front door. We’ll ensure they get to caregivers that need them.

 

Here’s what you do:

• If you have a printer, print your patterns from https://freesewing.org/fu-facemask-freesewing.org.letter.pdf.

• If you do not have a printer, you can find measurements at https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Cloth-Face-Mask/

• Then, follow these simple instructions: https://freesewing.org/docs/patterns/fu/instructions/

• More advanced sewers, you can follow these slightly more complicated, but also slightly more helpful patterns: https://drive.google.com/file/d/100uwoZA9n8DAObuylXZ67wbtnp8QaVPN/view?fbclid=IwAR1qIs4KXUKfypQa_MMDIcmv2AaSPgWodWAtr8rV6PAi5MSyzw74qJ-2ahg

  • or https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Cloth-Face-Mask/.

• Experts are saying that 100% cotton t-shirts and pillow cases are the most effective household materials for masks that are helpful and breathable. (You can find more information on what materials are helpful and not helpful here: https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/best-materials-make-diy-face-mask-virus/) Avoid any stretchy, sequined, or velvet material. Remember to wash all fabrics before sewing so that they pre-shrink.

• Jo Ann’s Fabrics has been working with DIY mask-makers in other cities, but unfortunately, the Jo Ann’s in our area has closed. Other stores such as Hobby Lobby or Michaels may be willing to help out with fabrics as well.

• Use the most sanitary practices necessary. Disinfect and/or wash the masks before bringing them in.

• On another note, if you happen to have access to a 3D printer, you can also be very helpful. Go here (https://www.billingsclinic.com/foundation/?fbclid=IwAR1EZwF-5r1dDjfL0CTW8zN6N5nTkJMmqSSnhYhVY85-BVY3Dz5r8Ccfw0g) for information about printing masks. 

• Then just bring them in and drop them off. 

• If you have fabric but no equipment, or equipment but no fabric, email us and we’ll put people together as best we can.

 

Thank you all for embodying the light.

 

Please email zach@northmin.org if you have any questions.

 

Peace,

Northminster Church