Communities across the country have been answering calls to help with providing medical masks at this time. Sonoma has stepped up as well.
In response to the current shortage of medical personal protective equipment, the Sonoma Community Center has started its own initiative of collecting facemask donations that will be regularly distributed to local hospitals and other health organizations.
All new N95 respirators and fabric facemask donations can be dropped off at the Sonoma Community Center between Monday-Friday from 10am and 4pm. Mask donations should be sealed in a Ziploc plastic bag and can be deposited in the designated window drop-off provided located off of the Center’s parking behind the building.
“Hospitals are asking for the N95 face masks so we will gladly collect donations of new and unused masks that people may have to spare,” stated Creative Programs Manager Eric Jackson. “There are also requests for the standard face masks too so we are providing sewing patterns on our website and materials for anyone who is willing to donate their time sewing face masks at home.”
Sewing volunteers are asked to use new fabric that is 100% cotton for the new masks. Cotton fabrics, elastic straps, and bias tape will be available for curbside pick-up in the Sonoma Community Center parking lot behind the building every Wednesday, from 1-2pm until otherwise determined and while supplies last for those needing extra material. Additionally, anyone with extra elastic,100% cotton fabric, or thread willing to donate for others to use can also drop-off their materials at this time.
“Many people are feeling a bit helpless and are wondering what they can do,” Jackson continues. “And I think, at this moment, it’s these small actions that we all can do as a community, like social distancing, that will hopefully help our medical providers prepare for and deal with this current pandemic.
For more information including project updates, sewing patterns, and facemask effectiveness please visit www.sonomacommunitycenter.org under the Events tab, or call (707) 938-4626 x3.
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