Make Fabric Masks

We are currently seeking volunteers to sew fabric facemasks to help make up for a current shortage of protective gear. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fabric masks are a crisis response option when other supplies have been exhausted.The CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.

If you are ill, we want you to focus on your health and well-being. Due to the quick spread of this virus, please hold off making masks at this time.

Details about making fabric masks:

If you are able to sew and willing to help, we thank you for sharing your time and skills with our community’s healthcare workers. Please note the following before getting started:

• Use 100% cotton tightly woven fabric and 100% cotton thread
• Non-smoking homes only, please
• Please remember that both men and women will be using these masks
• Waterproof fabric is not required (but if you have it feel free to use it)
• Cloth ties can be used instead of elastic
• Any surplus masks will be distributed to local organizations in need

We greatly appreciate our community’s response to this crisis. Please share your photos on social media, and tag Lima Memorial Health System using the hashtag #greatcare.

Standard Face Mask:

Click here to download.

Here is a video to help.

Mask Collection / Drop Off:

• Drop off locations are:

  Lima Family YMCA | 345 South Elizabeth Street, Lima, OH 45801

  JOANN Fabrics & Crafts | 2720 Elida Road, Lima, OH 45805

  Holiday Inn & Suites Lima | 803 South Leonard Avenue, Lima, OH 45804

  Armstrong Air & Space Museum | 500 Apollo Drive, Wapakoneta, OH 45895

  Ottawa-Glandorf High School | 630 Glendale Avenue, Ottawa, OH 45875

  Freed Center for the Performing Arts | 525 South Main Street, Ada, OH 45810

• Masks will be collected daily.
• If you are unable to leave your home to drop off masks as these locations, email lmfoundation@limamemorial.org or call 419-226-5087 to schedule a pick-up.
• Please email lmfoundation@limamemorial.org or call 419-226-5087 with questions.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Where can I drop masks off?
A: Drop-off locations are listed under the Mask Collection / Drop Off section above. 

Q: I can’t find any elastic; can I use string?
A: Yes. Washable alternatives to elastic are acceptable.

Q: Do I have to follow the pattern you provided?
A: You can use any pattern, as long as it meets the size and fabric requirements listed in our pattern.

Q: Do you need masks for children?
A: At this time, we are requesting adult masks only for our healthcare teams to help make up for the current shortage of this valuable protective item

Thank you for joining us in caring for our community.

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