Make Masks While Supporting This Small Business

*UPDATE 04/30/20* An update has been WAY overdue. But finally, HERE. IT. IS.
Since the previous message, several exciting things have happened. All in all, the mask-making initiative has expanded into a full-on PPE distribution pipeline. 

To date, nearly 1,000 fabric masks have been made by HMS Cleaners. Read the last update to hear more and check out where these masks and other supplies have ended up. Your donations help keep the masks coming, so THANK YOU again. 

Here's the original story...

With the healthcare workers of NYC pleading for help  in getting essential hospital supplies, and the suggested use of face masks now shifting to all of the population , individuals have been encouraged to make fabric masks (such as the one below). Perhaps you've been having a response similar to myself: seeing as I have no sewing skills or sewing supplies, how can I help?


The question "How can I help?" came to mind on a difficult day. It came to mind on the anniversary of the passing of a very dear friend who had lost a battle against pancreatic cancer only a year ago. So I asked myself in a moment of feeling the ache of missing him, particularly during this challenging time, "What would Avram do?"

Avram Noble Ludwig was (or is) a problem-solver, a creator, a dreamer, an explorer, always searching for ways to aid his community, to do something enriching to those around him, and certainly never one to stand by hesitant to make the world a better place. He'd be the first in line to support any plan to contribute to those in need during this COVID-19 pandemic.


Pictured above, Avram delivering solar lights to those without power after the earthquake in Puerto Rico.

In this thought, I gazed out my bedroom window and saw something that inspired a very Avram-style practical answer: my local family-owned dry cleaner. Having lived in my Brooklyn apartment for ten years, I'd witnessed this friendly Crown Heights neighborhood business throughout the seasons, and visited many-a-times for my own dry cleaning needs. I'd always been greeted kindly by the "mother" of the business. Even once, after a blizzard in NYC, I watched the "father" of the business help a young man who's car was stuck in the snow outside the store's entrance shovel a path and then push the wheels out of the entrenchment... A small yet meaningful kindness in the busy chaos of our vibrant city, and something that I think truly makes us "New Yorkers".  Somehow I think Avram, a born-and-raised New Yorker, would agree. Like all struggles, from piles of snow to rush hour to global crisis, we are in this together. 

So, with the wheels turning, I took my gaze away from the store's blue awning and quickly researched into homemade mask patterns, printed out the instructions, and popped over to the dry cleaner. There I spoke to the "mother" owner who reviewed the papers curiously, and, only a couple hours later, had created a few versions with her son. After further discussions with the enthusiastic and caring son, the family said they'd love to make masks, to help their community!

They had decided earlier that day to close up shop, due to insufficient business, but were willing to stay open to make masks. The mother, father, and son (who own H.M.S. Cleaners) have not asked for any compensation. I, however, feel it is only fair that their time and resources, as a small business, also receive the support needed to stay open through this economic hardship.

With their quick process and access to materials, they imagine making about 100  masks a day. (update: after truly nailing down the best design for comfort and function, the result is closer to 250 masks a week)

The goal of $1,000 in this page would generate an estimated 500 masks, perhaps more, which I'd like to exist in the world in honor of Avram.  *WE SURPASSED THIS, Y'ALL!!*

But more than that, while also realizing not everyone can contribute financially: I'd love for this inaugural batch, if you will, to serve as a template for how other family-owned dry cleaners with safe access to materials and sewing tools can come together with the community to generate masks. A network of these businesses and families, people like you and me, helping each other help others. And even more, a cycle to keep the wheels turning beyond this idea; to other initiatives and synergies, each as never-ending as Avram's inspiration even to this day.

Join us. Spread the word!

#BeTrueNewYorkers

:)

Picture below, Avram keeping his spirits high while at a cancer center in Mexico.


More About The Masks

The mother and son are already working away, with about 64 created on 03/31/20 (see sneak peek below!)



On 04/01/20 we reached our goal after only sharing this page earlier that same morning! How DOPE!




Given feedback from staff at hospitals, the most useful pattern is a double-layer fabric mask with a pocket for filters. An example is this video below.



Although homemade fabric masks do not provide the same protection as a manufactured surgical mask or N95 mask , the added level of protection will reduce the chance of transmission. The fabric masks can even be used on top of manufactured protection, since healthcare workers are being asked to reuse those supplies.  Fabric masks can also be washed and reused, further aiding the lack of supply.


To stay connected, offer suggestions, or get help in starting a similar initiative in your neighborhood or with your local family-owned dry cleaner / place of business, please email [email redacted]

Sending love & light,
Bonnie