MASKS ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE
During this pandemic, it has been difficult to acquire essential PPE that keeps our medical staff and residents safe. In order to be as prepared as possible, we have asked the community for donations of handmade masks or materials for handmade masks. With the generous support of our community donors and sewers, we have received 1,500 masks that have been distributed to our staff and highest-risk residents. In order to ensure the safety of our residents at all levels, we are in need of 1,000 additional masks. If you don’t sew but would still like to help, please pass along this information to others who do or, click the link below to make a charitable donation that will go towards the purchase of the most needed items.THE NEED FOR MASKS
As the CDC continues to study the effects of coronavirus, a few things stand out. Firstly, a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack any symptoms and can unknowingly spread the virus. Secondly, COVID-19 is spread through close interaction (i.e. speaking, coughing, sneezing) so maintaining a high level of social distancing is key to stopping the spread. The CDC also states the importance of using a simple cloth face covering in places where close interactions occur to prevent people from transmitting the disease, especially around the most vulnerable populations.
As you are probably aware, orders for standard/disposable face masks are on long back-order, due to both demand and supply chain issues. In an effort to be as prepared as possible to continue to protect our high-risk population of seniors and staff, we are looking for donations of handmade masks and materials for making handmade masks.
Donations will be distributed accordingly across Holland Home and Holland Home’s affiliates, Faith Hospice and Atrio Home Care.
DONATIONS OF HANDMADE MASKS
We are turning to you — our friends and associates to donate handmade masks you sew on your own. In doing so, please use the following directions:
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Use tightly-woven cotton fabric like fabric used for quilting and 1/8” or 1/4” elastic bands or elastic cord
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Pre-wash the fabric twice using hot water and soap to allow for shrinking
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Sew the fabric masks using either of the linked instructions below — there are two patterns you can choose from
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When your masks are complete, drop off or mail the masks to our designated drop off locations (see below)
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Collected masks will be immediately sent to processing and laundry to be sanitized and prepared for use
The links below provide instruction for two options.
DONATIONS OF FABRIC MASK MATERIALS
We also will happily accept as many elastic bands and cotton fabric as possible. To create these masks, we are looking for the following materials:-
1/8” or 1/4” elastic bands or elastic cord
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Tightly woven cotton fabric like fabric used for quilting
NOTE: Cotton clothing such as a t-shirt is too porous to be effective, so please refrain from donating these types of items
Using these donated materials, dedicated teams of Holland Home staff members and volunteers will begin sewing as many fabric masks as possible. Please be assured that Holland Home will sanitize all donations prior to and after the masks are constructed.
DROP OFF AND DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS
Beginning Monday, March 23, donations can be dropped off at either of the following locations: RAYBROOK MANOR 2121 Raybrook SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 Dropbox located in lobby BRETON REHAB AND LIVING CENTRE 2589 44th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512 Dropbox located in entrance way Trillium Woods 8214 Pfeiffer Farms Drive SW, Byron Center, MI 49315 Dropbox located in entrance way If mailing your donation, please send it to the Trillium Woods address.We thank you in advance for your continued support — together, we can help the helpers!
Stay well.