Mask donations needed

With the demand of personal protective equipment such as face masks being created due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a shortage of these supplies across the globe, including here in Ripley County.

The Quilter’s Nook in Versailles has been working on making masks to help do their part for the community. According to owner Chris Combs, between herself and her customers, they have made at least 100 masks so far. Combs said they have sent several to the nursing home in Dillsboro, as well as to the nuns in Oldenburg and are now helping out Margaret Mary Health (MMH). Their largest obstacle in making the masks was the elastic. Thanks to a donation made by Versailles IGA owners, they now have enough elastic to continue mass-producing these masks.

MMH has requested that anyone with a sewing machine and the ability to sew help make cloth face masks for their patients and families. There are currently two drop-off locations for the donated masks: Miss Shannon’s Music Studio, 121 Shopping Village, Suite A, Batesville or The Quilter’s Nook, 82 Hill Street, Versailles. According to Combs, there is a drop-off box sitting outside her business, which is being checked regularly by MMH. She stated the masks can be dropped off at any time.

Instructions for making masks can be found on Margaret Mary Health’s website at mmhealth.org/covid-19 (which also has a video tutorial).