The Mask Makers for NJ Workers

On April 3rd, our town in New Jersey set a goal to deliver 1200 masks and scrub caps to local hospitals, first responders, essential workers and community volunteers in 7 days.  We raised money and collected donated materials from local residents and businesses, set up a sewing and production crew, and hired seamstresses to help us make them as quick as possible.  Even school children are helping to sew and cut fabric!  I quickly became known as 'The Mask Lady', and we call our crew The Mask Makers for NJ Workers.

It actually took 14 days, but so far, we have delivered 1,085 masks and 115 scrub caps to our health care and essential workers in our community, and beyond to Summit, Morristown, Livingston, Newark, Belleville and Jersey City.  But more are needed!  Many, many more!  

Executive Order 122 in New Jersey requires all workers at essential businesses to wear masks, as well as the public.  And of course, there are thousands of hospital workers from administrators and janitorial staff to the doctors and nurses who must wear them too...but their supplies are low, and sometimes, completely empty.  Masks are very hard to find, so it's essential our workers have a source to keep them, and the public safe.  

Our main cost is labor to help us sew face masks and scrub caps as quickly as possible in the hundreds per week.  We use an assembly line approach - volunteers in the community cut the fabric from donations we receive, cut elastic and wire for nose guards, then we distribute to the seamstresses to sew and complete the masks and scrub caps.  Then another team pick them up and deliver them.

Our masks are not only reusable and washable, but have an extra filter in the middle to be even more effective.  Our scrub caps are reversible, washable and reusable.  

We need to raise additional funds right away to continue production of 750 masks and 200 scrub caps per week...until the need has been fulfilled.  

If I could share the numerous emails, texts and cards I have received on behalf of our town, thanking us for their masks and scrub caps, this would be a very long list!  If I could share the many words of encouragement and pride our residents have expressed in helping others, it would be much, much longer!  

Our town is so happy to be able to provide these masks and scrub caps to keep our healthcare and essential workers safe.  We have thoroughly enjoyed rolling up our sleeves and dusting off our sewing machines to help everyone stay as safe as possible, in addition to providing valuable work to seamstresses to help their families get through this very difficult time.  

So we need your support to continue to deliver masks and scrub caps...
EVERY LITTLE HELPS!!!  

The Mask Makers for NJ Workers
#themasklady2020