Fire Stations to serve Masked Bandits project
Lackawanna County Commissioner Debi Domenick, Esq. announced Saturday afternoon that she, working in conjunction with Scranton Mayor Paige G. Cognetti, enlisted the help of more than 35 Lackawanna County Fire Stations to aid The Masked Bandits.
The Masked Bandits is a project set up by the Lackawanna County Medical Society and the Luzerne County Medical Society to make fabric masks for hospitals and physicians to help fight the COVID-19
pandemic. The groups are seeking volunteers to help with the project.
The fire stations will serve as drop-off points for mask donations. The LCMS is also asking for newly packaged thermometers to be donated as well.
Orders for standard/disposable masks are on backorder and many healthcare workers are finding themselves in the position of hoarding and reusing masks as they continue to provide care to
public. According to the CDC, homemade fabric masks are an option when protective supplies are not available.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Though not ideal, washable fabric masks can be used by staff and patients. These masks can be sterilized and reused as needed. If you are interested, we can use sewers, fabric donations, deliverers and donations! Please contact Tonyehn Verkitus at info@luzlackmedsoc.org or visit
https://www.facebook.com/events/213611253042835/.
The details:
· Please use the directions below to make face masks
· Use tightly woven fabric on both sides of the masks
· When you have completed 20 masks minimum please email info@luzlackmedsoc.org to arrange for
delivery. We will set a given time for delivery locations.
· Collected masks will be delivered and processed for use.
How to make fabric masks (pattern is courtesy of The Turban Project):
What you will need:
Cotton fabric, a pretty print is best. Rope Elastic, beading cord elastic will work (you may also us 1/8” flat elastic) Cut the elastic 7” long and tie a knot at each end (DO NOT knot the ends of the flat)
You can make two sizes: Adult or Child
- Put right sides of cotton fabric together
- Cut 9×6 (Adult) or 7.5 x 5 (Child)
- Starting at the center of the bottom edge, sew to the first corner, stop. Sew the elastic with
the edge out into the corner. A few stitches forward and back will hold this. - Sew to the next corner, stop, and bring the other end of the same elastic to the corner and sew
a few stitches forward and back. - Now sew across that top of the mask to the next corner. Again put an elastic with the edge out.
- Sew to the next corner and sew in the other end of the same elastic.
- Sew across the bottom leaving about 1.5” to 2” open. Stop, cut the thread. Turn inside out.
- Pin 3 tucks on each side of the mask. Make sure the tucks are the same direction
- Sew around the edge of the mask twice.
It is so easy to make this. Be sure any fabric design is placed horizontally.