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Masked Mommas make nearly 2,000 masks for Putnam County health professionals, essential workers
The Masked Mommas have filled almost 2,000 orders for N95-style and protective masks since they began making them in their basements more than two weeks ago — and they are still accepting requests.
They have provided masks for the entire Putnam County Hospital staff, including dietitians and pharmacists. They have also supplied masks for essential workers at Kroger in Greencastle and Mooresville, Wendy’s, all Putnam County nursing home facilities and in-home health care, gas stations, the Cloverdale and Greencastle police departments, Indiana State Police motorcycle troopers, the Fillmore Community Volunteer Fire Department, staff at the Putnam County Courthouse, Putnam County Comprehensive Services, the Putnam County Food Pantry and Family Support Services.
The genesis for the Masked Mommas came when Amy Clark learned her two daughters, who work in health care, were on the front lines fighting COVID-19 without protection. She, along with Yolanda Goodpaster, Rashell Harcourt and Sandi Clark, got to work in their basements.
“I originally posted on Facebook that we were making masks to support my daughters, and we were literally inundated with requests,” said Clark. “As we started running out of supplies, we turned to Facebook, and our growing network began providing us with more materials and even more of our friends joined us in making masks.”
The Masked Mommas teamed up with Sew & Serve in Central Indiana to meet a critical need for CDC-compliant masks. They restructured their system to increase productivity and reduce duplication of mask production.
The Masked Mommas in return sent them requests that were out of county to free up more local requests and established the Putnam County Mask Mommas - Sew & Serve page on Facebook.
The Masked Mommas’ assembly line, which is done remotely, involves cutting, assembling, laundering, sewing and replenishing supplies. They have perfected their mask pattern, and include a protective layer of cotton, flannel and HEPA furnace filters to ensure the mask’s effectiveness. They also deliver completed orders to individuals who cannot leave work.
“The Masked Mommas are a terrific example of how Putnam County residents have mobilized to support health-care professionals and essential workers during this challenging time,” said Dennis Weatherford, chief executive officer of the Putnam County Hospital. “Our team is so grateful to them for putting us first as we all work together to fight this virus.”
The Masked Mommas also include Rebecca Arnold, Jana Boggess, Lindsey Fenwick, Joanna Goldman, Meghan Miller, Mary Birt, Erin Miller, Katrina Henderson, Trudy Goodpaster, Teena Bryant, Suzanne Travelstead, Jill Albers, Sentra Sheldon, Valerie Weddle, Gail Patrick, Courtney Williams, Jinni Altman, Jenny Clark, Allyson TeGrotenhuis, Natalie Pritchard, Kim Shinn, Narda Cotton, Peg Johnson, Gail Smith, Jenny Knoll and Beverly Ross.
The Masked Mommas are now sending masks to adjacent counties, as well as far away as Alaska.
“While three of the four original organizers have full-time jobs, and we are juggling virtual meetings, our kids and our daily lives, we are thankful for our ability to help,” Clark added. “Every time we think we cannot do it any longer, we receive more requests, a positive story about our work or donations to support this effort.
“We truly know we are doing what we are supposed to be to serve our community.”