In March 2020, I co-organized (mask)MAKERS PGH as an alliance of Pittsburgh nonprofits and small creative businesses including Knotzland, Protohaven, KerfCase, Firecracker Fabrics, Cut & Sew Studio, Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse, and Radiant Hall.
The group launched a collaborative effort to help combat the global mask shortage due to COVID-19, creating multiple distribution points including Free Store Wilkinsburg, Project Destiny, Center of Life, and East End Cooperative Ministry. Thanks to a network of volunteer sewists, we were able to provide thousands of masks for essential workers and vulnerable communities free of charge.
Because of these efforts, Mayor Marita Garrett named May 11-17, 2020 as National Week of Making throughout the Borough of Wilkinsburg.
Project Impact: 14 weeks, 332 volunteers, 7,219 masks donated
