With the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and other health and government officials asking us to wear a mask when we cannot social distance, masks have become the must have accessory of the moment. Caring for the Hungry and Homeless of Peekskill (CHHOP) was the recipient of masks from the organization MasksNow. 

Jenna Adamek, the New York state lead for MasksNow recently dropped off 30 reusable cloth masks to CHHOP. MasksNow is a national coalition that makes masks to free up medical grade masks for those working in hospitals and medical offices. “My priority is to look for organizations that might not have access to protection,” says Adamek. 

A lifelong sewer, Adamek started making masks for a family member who works in a medical office. She then started making masks for others and ended up in a community of mask sewers through a Facebook page. MasksNow national organizers reached out to sewers in the Facebook group and asked people to become regional leads throughout the state. Eventually there were so many requests that the group ended up needing someone to coordinate the mask making and donating. Adamek, a swim coach and theater administrator, suddenly found herself with a lot of time on her hands as New York state went on pause, “I volunteered to organize across the state.” 

The masks are made from 100 percent cotton, or a blend that is at least 50 percent cotton. The masks are three layers. One layer needs to be a nonwoven material, often interfacing, that provides the extra protection that is really needed. All masks are reusable and can safely be washed at high temperatures. The fabric is washed before the masks are sewn and once the masks are completed they are washed again before being sealed in packets for delivery.

Adamek notes that Fabric.com has donated lots of fabric to the cause, so there are many types of patterns on the fabrics. “A lot of sewers are emptying out their sewing scraps and making masks from those pieces,” she explains. “I also try to find solid colors. All the masks are different but the one thing they have in common is that the front and back are clearly distinguishable.”

More masks are on the way as Adamek and other New York volunteers sew to finish fulfilling a request for 100 masks for CHHOP. “It’s really great to hear the stories about how the masks are helping the people who get them.” 

For more information visit masksnow.org.