During this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CDC has now begun recommending that everyone wear a face covering when they go out in public.
In response to this and the fact that commercial medical masks are in limited supply and needed for medical and first responder personnel, Mark Twain Health Care District has commissioned the local manufacturing of 5,000 masks by Blue Mt Custom Fabrications in West Point, and are being distributed free of charge to anyone who would like one.
Blue Mtn. Custom Fabrications has been in business for 25 years and specializes in commercial contract sewing.
Because it takes a village to respond quickly enough to make a difference, many seamstresses around the county have been employed to help make all of these masks. One group, in particular, is the Independence Hall Quilters group out of Arnold. They have responded to this effort quickly and with eagerness.
“I am getting phone calls daily from IHQ members wanting to help with the next order,” laughs Jodi, a member who is coordinating the effort. “At first, I had a fear of having to make 200+ masks by myself – I should have known better because our ladies are amazing!”
COVID-19 has put a stop on the guild’s fundraising at local events. They sell raffle tickets to win a “Scholarship Quilt” that funds scholarships for graduating Brett Harte High School seniors. IHQ hopes to make up some of these losses by donating payment for the masks to the scholarship account.
An example of the pandemic’s far-reaching effect on even a small county’s volunteer organizations.
These masks (pictured) are available at local markets in the communities of Calaveras County. A full list of the participating markets can be found online at MTHCD.org. For more information, call Peggy at 754-4468.
