Helping Others Together (HOT) Community Foundation has joined the national effort to provide non-surgical washable masks to help protect local healthcare workers and community members.

“During these challenging times, it takes all of us together to do our part to fight the spread of COVID-19,” said Beth McGee, HOT Community Foundation President. 

Mask production began March 22 with an initial goal of 500 masks. Since then, the goal has increased to 5,000.  In the first week, HOT distributed nearly 1,000 masks and has over 1,500 masks in the sewing process. “We have had requests from multiple local hospitals for as many masks as we can produce and distribute,” said McGee. 

Mask kits are assembled, held for 24 hours to minimize any potential contamination of the fabric, and then picked up by volunteer community members to sew.  Once completed, the masks are distributed to local hospitals, community members and other agencies who have requested them. All recipients are advised to wash and/or sanitize the masks before use.

Handsewn masks help limit exposure for all, offering a level of protection against infection from an individual’s own hands or from another infected person’s cough or sneeze. Per Kerrie Burkett, RN/BSN Medical-Surgical Oncology and Hospice at Banner Del Webb Medical Center, “Our hospital knows HOT and how amazing your team is. HOT’s support has changed our daily lives for the better
already.”

If you know healthcare workers or other community members who are in need of face masks, please send them to http://www.HotCommunityFoundation.org.

More information about donating or volunteering for this project can also be found at http://www.HOTCommunityFoundation.org. Working together we make a difference!

By Janet Stacey