Collaborators fill need of healthcare providers
Local Paso Robles business owner, Cynthia Mann saw a need for the masks locally and immediately put her employees to work donating their time and fabric to the cause. Birch Fabrics has donated fabric, created template instructions and donated employee time to help with the creation of masks for local healthcare providers in the wake of COVID-19 demand. Their customer base is made up of sewers and those customers are also getting behind the cause with mask creation.
“This truly has been an amazing outpouring of collaboration and support from our clients and our community,” Mann said. “The fact that we’re truly making a difference here locally and nationally for the fight against COVID-19 is an amazing feeling for all of us.”
Ellie Kelley who is the owner of The Breast Vest and the mother of two small children is not only sewing 100+ masks from home but also is making and coordinating with home sewers on this project. “We currently have 6-10 crafters sewing up to 200 masks each and the number and demand is growing as this pandemic continues to worsen.”
The crafters in from Atascadero, Arroyo Grande, Nipomo, Paso Robles have joined the effort. Birch Fabrics has already donated over 100 yards of fabric and the demand will continue to grow for donations.
“Eighty percent of everything we’re producing will be kept here locally for the hospitals and supporting industries that relate to the care of these patients,” Mann said. “The Assistant Director at Twin Cities has reached out to us with a request for masks. It’s not just doctors and nurses on the front line that we’re helping support. We’re making masks for respiratory therapists, homebirth midwives, physical therapists, housekeepers, phlebotomists, cooks, administration and more.”
The effort by Mann and her network is in coordination with a Facebook group called “Sew the Curve Flat.”
For those looking to get involved during the shelter-at-home isolation, a free pattern is posted on the Birch Fabric website, fabricworm.com.
To make a donation to help fund the fabric donation, reach out to owner Cynthia Mann of Birch Fabrics at 415-309-1901.
Fabric provided by:
Birch Fabrics
Located at 1244 Pine St, Suite D (Corner of 13th and Railroad) Paso Robles, California 93446
www.fabricworm.com
IG Fabricworm
FB @birchorganicfabrics
If you’d like to donate your time to sew masks you can reach out to Ellie Kelley, Owner of The Breast Vest who is coordinating the sewers at 805-674-1307
Sewing and coordination provided by:
Elizabeth Kelley
Thebreastvest.com
IG TheBreastVest
IG & YouTube: Ellie Kelley Mama
Ellie@elliekelleymama.com
More Information and Resources:
https://www.deaconess.com/How-to-make-a-Face-Mask/Mask-Donations?all=true
IG MillionMaskChallenge
