May 2, 2020 at 3:13pm
The Northbrook Park District is calling on the sewing and crafting community to make cloth face coverings for senior residents.
A drop-box is available for cloth face covering donations at the Leisure Center, 3323 Walters Avenue for distribution to Northbrook Park District Senior Center members. Donations should be placed in a Ziplock-type bag and include the donor’s name and contact information. Donations are retrieved daily.
“We’re doing this for those Senior Center members who are most at risk and unable to get face coverings for themselves,” said Recreation Supervisor Laura Wassinger. “They know the rule in Northbrook is you need to wear a face covering, but some of them don’t know how to sew or no longer have the manual dexterity to make one for themselves.”
Wassinger is personally delivering the coverings to Senior Center members. She also has been delivering fabric and thread to members of the Crafty Ladies, the Senior Center’s popular sewing and crafting group, who have volunteered to assist with the drive.
“This helps seniors who are unable to leave their homes, or might be unable because of COVID-19 concerns,” Wassinger said. “We want to offer our most fragile seniors a little peace of mind.”
Interested in making a difference in the community by donating face coverings? Wassinger said the coverings should have elastic ear loops and not ties, as those can be difficult for seniors to maneuver. Additional requirements:
- Coverings should include multiple layers of cotton fabric
- Allow for breathing without restriction
- Fit snugly but comfortably
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers guidelines and instructions for making cloth face coverings. For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/3aNj6le.