As the new school year looms closer, parents, guardians, and teachers have begun to start thinking of how the current pandemic will impact classrooms. There is an increased need for keiki (child) sized face masks as many kids have been cooped up at home or at a close family friend or relative’s house since their last day at school.
Throughout the month of August and into September, Discount Fabric Warehouse will be collecting keiki face masks for donation to schools across the state. For the Big Island, the Friends of the Children’s Justice Center as well as representatives from various schools will be handling distribution. We are currently still working on finding contacts on the other islands to assist with getting the masks where they are needed.
For The Month of August
With the school year tentatively beginning in August, we are hoping that is when the bulk of our donations will arrive. To encourage this, through the end of August, bring in a minimum of 10 homemade masks and receive 10 yards of elastic for FREE. (There is no limit on how many masks can be brought in, but the free elastic is limited to 10 yards per person per week.)
The Details
There is no specific pattern or style that we are asking for. As long as they are appropriate for a child or young adult, we can accept the masks.
It’s suggested that adjustable elastic ear bands or ties are used. If you are able to, cord stoppers/adjusters, pony beads, and other methods to allow for the ear bands to be adjusted to fit the wearer are appreciated.
Please make sure to use fabric that is child and school appropriate and when possible, please use a different fabric on the outside from the inside to be able to differentiate when wearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I want to be a Mighty Mask Maker?
(Okay, so many of you may be asking what a Mighty Mask Maker is…) If you’re able to make 100+ masks in a short period of time (maybe you have some family to help cut and pack the masks or you just have a lot of time on your hands) we need your help! The Hilo store is looking for a few Mighty Mask Makers to bulk sew masks. We will provide the fabric, elastic, and interfacing (if needed) and you sew the masks. There is no set pattern or style, but we do ask that the masks be completed fairly quickly. We would like the masks made by our Mighty Mask Makers to be part of the first round of masks that go out to the schools. If this sounds like something you’d like to take on, please e-mail us at fabricdfw@gotfabric.com or give Jean a call at the Hilo store.
What if my class/school needs masks?
If you are unsure if your school is planning on providing masks and would like to be sure that you will be able to get some for your class, please click the button below to be taken to our request form.
Do you have any patterns that I can follow?
Yes! We have a whole page of them. There are different styles, different types, and different ways to make them. While we do suggest trying different styles to see what you enjoy making, we encourage you to start with the basic Pleated Mask or the N95 or Duck Bill Style. Click the link below to be taken to our Mask Page.