TEMPLE, TX — A Temple woman's post on Facebook received a lot of attention when she started offering homemade masks to those in need. Hundreds of people started reaching out to her, asking for her and her sister's homemade masks.
Keeping with social distancing, Emily Morgan and her sister Taylor Palczewski put the masks in a plastic container on their porch.
But then, Morgan said someone picked up not only their mask, but a couple of others - even though each mask was in a plastic baggie and clearly labeled by name. Over 10 masks were stolen from the container in one day.
Morgan said that this has caused them to call each individual person and set up a meeting time. Then, they are putting each order out after the recipient gives them a call - a major interruption in workflow.
This can cut into a lot of mask making time - especially when the two sisters are extremely busy with orders.
"We are gonna keep going until everyone gets what they need!" Morgan said.
They are booked until Tuesday, and they continue to make over 50 masks a day. The masks are completely free.
If you are able to donate, there is a GoFundMe for donations to buy supplies. In her post, Morgan said all of the masks will be donated to health care workers and other workers in need. No one will pay for the masks.
However, Morgan said her sister, Taylor Palczewski, is the heart behind the operation.
"She is a nurse who just wants to give back to those in need. All of the money we’ve spent has come out of her own pocket and sewing all of these herself. She really is the most selfless person I know," Morgan said.
Morgan and Palczewski are just two of many seamstresses on Facebook trying to aide in the N95 mask shortage due to COVID-19. This group in Waco also has the same mission.
On her GoFundMe Page, she included these details:
* ALL MASKS WILL BE DONATED*
*Any money donated will be going 100% to supplies and fabric for masks!**
The masks are Pleated with nose strip and pocket for filter
*Does not prevent Coronavirus *
*Not hospital grade*
*Not providing filter inserts*
Joann has created a landing page for information on how to sew face masks. You can find that information here.
The CDC posted a link of strategies to optimize the current supply of face masks. They recommend reusing the masks, removing masks from public areas, and they also have guidelines on homemade masks.
These are their guidelines:
"In settings where facemasks are not available, HCP might use homemade masks (e.g., bandana, scarf) for care of patients with COVID-19 as a last resort. However, homemade masks are not considered PPE, since their capability to protect HCP is unknown. Caution should be exercised when considering this option. Homemade masks should ideally be used in combination with a face shield that covers the entire front (that extends to the chin or below) and sides of the face."