Sew to Slow

My name is Carolina Carpenetti and I live in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania.  I am currently completing my junior year at Central Mountain High School.  I am raising money for the project I have founded called “Sew to Slow,” a campaign to sew cloth face masks to slow the spread of COVID-19.  I hope you would consider supporting my campaign to produce at least 1,000 face masks to donate to people in my community as well as first responders and health care facilities in need of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
 
I began this campaign in order to provide face masks wherever they were needed at a time when masks and PPE were in increasingly short supply.  Sewing has been a hobby of mine for several years and I realized that my sewing machine could be put to good use during this time. After some research and shopping, I designed and made 50 cloth face masks, which I have already donated to the Clinton County Women’s Shelter in my hometown.  As I was completing this initial phase of my project, I realized that there is an overwhelming need for cloth face masks as they are now recommended for everyone while in public places to help slow the spread of COVID-19.  In addition, health care facilities are also requesting cloth face masks as their supplies of PPE are dwindling.  I decided to put my “stay at home” time to good use by continuing and expanding my “Sew to Slow” campaign to help as many people as I can.  Donations to my fund will be used to purchase the supplies to assemble, sew, and ship the masks for this new and expanded phase of my mission. Because of increased demand, some supplies, such as elastic, are increasingly difficult to come by. Although an additional 1,000 masks is my current goal, I will continue to sew masks for as long as I can and as long as there is a need for them.  Any additional money that I raise beyond what is used for the masks will be donated to The New Love Center in Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, a local food pantry that has been experiencing increased demands during this difficult economic time.  The New Love Center Food Pantry serves Clinton County (my home county) and neighboring Lycoming County.  For each $1.00 donated to the food pantry, nearly two meals can be provided to people in need.  Because I am a minor, GoFundMe requires that I name an adult as a beneficiary to handle all funds donated and my mother, Alison, has agreed to help me in this capacity.     
 
Before I initially began my “Sew to Slow” campaign, I carefully researched multiple online mask-making tutorials and recommendations, including the CDC website, in order that I could produce the most protective and comfortable cotton masks possible.  While not equivalent to a medical grade N95 mask, I eventually developed my design to include additional pleats on the sides, a metal nose strip within the mask, and soft elastic ear loops to ensure comfort and a snug fit.  I also incorporated a non-woven layer between the cotton layers for added filtration.  My masks are sanitized upon completion and delivered in individual plastic bags for safety. 
 
I realize that these are very difficult financial times, but I would greatly appreciate any donation that you would consider giving, no matter how small, so I can continue to make these masks.  If you have any questions or know of an organization or individual in need of cloth face masks, please contact me at [E-Mail ausgeblendet] . com (no spaces in email address).
 
I hope you and your family stay safe and healthy.  Wash your hands, practice social distancing, and definitely remember to wear your mask.  We will beat this virus if we all work together but, in the meantime, I plan to continue to “Sew to Slow.”  
 
Thank you,
Carolina