The Quilting Angels, a group of dedicated senior citizens, undertook a remarkable mission to create 5,700 masks as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Face coverings emerged as a vital tool for protection during the pandemic, prompting the question: "I wear a mask to safeguard you; will you do the same for me?" This simple plea resonated in a time of crisis.

As a medical office serving pregnant women, we were determined to remain operational despite the pandemic's challenges. With social distancing and hygiene protocols in place, we faced a critical shortage of masks.

We reached out through social media to local sewing groups for assistance. While some individuals disregarded mask guidelines, dedicated sewing clubs like the Quilting Angels stepped up to help.

The Quilting Angels have long been active in making sensory mats and quilts for various charities, focusing on vulnerable populations such as seniors with Alzheimer’s and children with autism. Meeting weekly, they had previously provided comfort to many, and their response to the pandemic showcased their true spirit.

In the face of adversity, community members united to leverage their skills for a greater cause, embodying the essence of resilience. As the toll of the virus mounted, it became crucial to honor those who offered their time, resources, and support to uplift others.

Maureen, the leader of the Quilting Angels, expressed gratitude in a heartfelt letter to contributors. She emphasized the importance of their efforts in protecting healthcare workers and community members during this unprecedented time.

> Dear Contributors: > > I extend my heartfelt thanks for your invaluable contributions to the Quilting Angels’ Massive Mask Mission. You dedicated your time and talents selflessly to protect our hospitals, first responders, and neighbors. Our community came together to safeguard medical personnel and their patients, and while we continue to sew masks, the urgency has diminished. I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude and share insights about our mission. > > This project emerged from the necessity to curb the spread of COVID-19. Our initial focus was to provide masks to frontline workers: doctors, nurses, and other medical staff at local facilities.

Through collaboration and a sense of urgency, we aimed to produce as many washable masks as possible for those directly engaging with COVID-19 patients. The potential consequences of caregivers falling ill could have overwhelmed healthcare systems.

Initially, many hospitals hesitated to accept homemade masks. However, as the severity of the situation became evident, they reconsidered. With international supplies dwindling, alternative sources of masks became essential.

After extensive outreach, we gained approval to supply several hospitals with home-sewn masks. This required extensive research to develop clear instructions for our volunteers, enabling them to contribute without in-person guidance.

We created three main styles of masks: pleated surgical masks, fitted models, and rounded designs made from four pieces. Our production catered to various sizes, ensuring every member of the community had access to protection.

The hospitals sterilized the cloth masks for repeated use, significantly conserving N95 masks during this critical time. Your contributions made this possible!

As demand grew, we expanded our outreach to include police, firefighters, nursing home staff, and others in need. We utilized our own resources and gathered donations to support this vital effort.

Despite challenges such as shortages of elastic, our volunteers persevered, finding creative solutions to maintain production levels. The community’s commitment to crafting masks for those in need was truly inspiring.

As the pandemic progressed, we adapted our strategies, utilizing various materials and techniques to ensure we met the demand. We also engaged in outreach to ensure that our efforts reached the most vulnerable populations.

The Quilting Angels' Facebook page chronicles our journey, showcasing the impact of our combined efforts.

As of June 8, we successfully created and donated over 5,700 masks, significantly aiding local healthcare facilities and residents. Our group also continues to support various charitable causes through quilting, providing comfort to many in need.

I am grateful to be part of a community that comes together in challenging times to support one another. Thank you for your commitment to making a positive difference.

Sincerely, Maureen Schmiedel Chair, Quilting Angels Coordinator, Massive Mask Mission

This article was contributed by Dr. Jeff Livingston from MacArthur Medical Center.