April 1, 2020 3:30 a.m.
A growing group of volunteers is providing hand sewn masks, as a response to the COVID-19 situation.
Laurel Krueger of Douglas County Helpers said efforts began at the start of March. Krueger said approximately 1,200 volunteers have been making the masks for first responders, health care professionals, high risk community members, nonprofit organizations, bus drivers, store clerks and many others. Krueger said all the masks are being given out free of charge.
Krueger said thousands of the masks have already been given out in the past few weeks.
Krueger said Douglas County Helpers has partnered with Joann’s Fabric. She said the store has kits available which anyone can pick up, then sew a mask and drop it back off at the store for distribution. She said Joann’s is also providing the group with weekly fabric donations to help the volunteers in their effort.
When completed, masks can be dropped off at Patriot Automotive on Southeast Stephens, weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Krueger said more volunteers are needed to help with the effort. She said there are things people can do to help, even if they are not able to sew.
Check out the Douglas County Helpers Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/234199917629859/ for more information.