TOGETHER, WE CAN HELP THE HELPERS

First and foremost, we want to thank our amazing staff who has been dedicated to continuing to provide the highest level of care possible to our residents as well as everyone who has already reached out to offer their support, their time, and their talents during these unprecedented times. It is with that, we are looking again to our generous community for their help.

SHORTAGE OF MASKS

As you are probably aware, orders for standard/disposable face masks are on long back-order, due to both demand and supply chain issues.  In an effort to be as prepared as possible to continue to protect our high-risk population of seniors and staff, we are looking for donations of handmade masks and materials for making handmade masks.

According to the CDC, fabric masks are a crisis response option when other supplies have been exhausted.  It is important to remember that prior to the modern  masks, washable fabric masks were standard at hospitals and nursing homes. These fabric masks can be sterilized and used repeatedly.  While not ideal, they will provide a level of protection for our staff and residents during the pandemic.

DONATIONS OF FABRIC MASK MATERIALS

We are turning to you — our friends and associates to donate as many elastic bands and cotton fabric as possible. To create these masks, we are looking for the following materials:

• 1/8” or 1/4” elastic bands or elastic cord

• Tightly woven cotton fabric like tea towels or fabric used for quilting
  
  NOTE: Cotton clothing such as a t-shirt is too porous to be effective, so please refrain from donating these types of items

Using these donated materials, dedicated teams of Holland Home staff members and volunteers will begin sewing as many fabric masks as possible. Please be assured that Holland Home will sanitize all donations prior to and after the masks are constructed.

DONATIONS OF HANDMADE MASKS

We also will happily accept handmade masks you sew on your own.  In doing so, please use the following directions: 

• Use tightly-woven cotton fabric like tea towels or fabric used for quilting and 1/8” or 1/4” elastic bands or elastic cord

• Pre-wash the fabric twice using hot water and soap to allow for shrinking

• Sew the fabric masks using either of the linked instructions below — there are two patterns you can choose from

• When your masks are complete, drop off or mail the masks to our designated drop off locations (see below)

• Collected masks will be immediately sent to processing and laundry to be sanitized and prepared for use

The links below provide instruction for two options.