A-CAST American Chinese Association North Texas

In response to a lack of disposable masks, the Chinese American Moms Sewing Group was formed on March 21. The group consists of 16 members (plus two teens) in the Tricities area of Washington. The goal is to sew cloth masks to protect volunteers and professionals who cannot practice social distancing due to their duties.

Wearing reusable cloth mask is a temporary strategy when there are limited resources. The masks are made with brand new materials (cotton fabric and elastic strings). Each mask has an opening for the users to insert appropriate filters as barriers for extra protection. There are alternative filters, as reported by the medical community, that can be used (such as dried unscented baby wipes).  

Within a week, the sewing group has produced more than 130 cloth masks and donated to 11 volunteer groups and professionals, ranging from school lunch ladies, nurses, and staff at local clinics.

The mask materials and time to sew are all furnished by volunteers and the rapid growth of the effort was not foreseen. With an ever-increasing demand for masks, the cost of materials has become a financial burden to sewing members.

In general, one yard of fabric (100% cotton) can make six cloth masks with either a tie-back or elastic ear loops. On average, each cloth mask cost roughly $1.5 (not counting labor, time, and delivery expenses).

We are seeking financial support to defray the cost of materials. We hope to secure fund for [phone redacted] masks (estimate $750-$1200). This would cover around 30-50 volunteer groups, nursing homes and small clinics and hospitals in the Tricities. This project came unexpectedly and will continue operating until there are sufficient medical and/or surgical masks made available the critical staff who are unable to practice social distancing due to their responsibilities.  

We note that the Chinese American Moms Sewing Group is teaming us with Association of Chinese Americans Southlake Texas (A-CAST) in this fundraising for tax reduction purposes. A-CAST will monitor the proper use of received donations. Chinese Moms sewing group will procure sewing materials and distribute the masks to frontline workers in the Tricities, WA.

For a story related to Chinese American Sewing Moms, please visit: https://www.yaktrinews.com/local-group-of-chinese-moms-teens-hand-make-masks-to-help-fight-spread-of-covid-19/