Samaritan Health is asking people to donate face masks in anticipation of an expected shortage in the very near future.
Larry Horton of the Sweet Home Rotary Club said his organization will collect masks made by local residents on weekdays at the Sweet Home High School kitchen, at 1575 Long St., to the east of the driveway from 15th Avenue. Completed masks may be dropped off at the kitchen from 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. weekdays. The masks will be distributed to Samaritan and throughout the community as needs arise.
Making a mask requires two 6- by 9-inch pieces of 100-percent cotton cloth, two 7-inch pieces of one-quarter-inch elastic, a sewing machine, minimal sewing skills and about 20 minutes. Horton said that elastic appears to be in short supply, so anyone aware of where to procure it is encouraged to contact him at (541) 619-2683.
A video on how to do it is available at http://www.deaconess.com/How-to-make-a-face-mask.
“If you think you can help, or if you know someone who likes to sew, or you want a good project that you and your kids can do together,” Horton said. “Give it a try. It beats sitting in our chairs watching how the coronavirus is growing by leaps and bounds.”