It all started when Mary Ellen Orchard was scrolling on Facebook and saw a post from a woman in Michigan seeking face masks for her state in need.
Orchard was inspired by this woman's call to action and decided to use the Michigan women's sewing pattern to create masks for hospitals in need on Long Island.
"I put a message on my Facebook page, saying I'm about to make some masks, this is the pattern, this is the video if anyone wants to join me fine...join me," said Orchard. "A few people jumped on it immediately. I could have cried this morning when a woman said that she made 162."
Each mask task approximately 23 minutes to make. All you need is a piece of fabric and a piece of flannel to create the foundation of the mask.
"The love, the compassion, the empathy, the need to do the need to say I was there I did it I helped," said Orchard. "I don't care what you do, do something."
Orchard plans to collect the masks every Thursday until there is no longer a need at Eisenhower Park. Orchard's set up ensure's her safety and anyone who would like to donate by dropping off masks into a box where people who want to help can do so in the safest way possible.
----------
Contact Community Journalist Alex Ciccarone
Submit a tip to Alex
Follow Alex on Facebook
Follow @Alexabc7NY on Twitter
Follow @Alexabc7NY on Instagram
MORE CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 COVERAGE
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the testing centers
See how our communities are making a difference
Free educational resources for parents and children
How you can help victims of coronavirus
Where is COVID-19 now? and other resources
Coronavirus news and live updates in New York
Coronavirus news and live updates in New Jersey
Coronavirus news and live updates in Connecticut
New York City updates
Long Island updates
How coronavirus is leaving ghost towns in its path
Coronavirus prevention: how clean are your hands?
Social distancing: What is it and how does it stop the spread of coronavirus?
Coronavirus closures and cancelations
Coronavirus tips: What Americans need to know
Related Information
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on coronavirus