Sewa International’s DIY Mask for healthcare professionals
In the current COVID-19 pandemic, when social distancing is taking a toll on our community, Sewa International’s Boston chapter volunteer Shova Sharma, with the help of other Sewa volunteers was instrumental in starting the DIY face mask project.
Sewa is thriving on the efforts of these self-motivated volunteers who are giving their time and energy to sew protective masks for the healthcare workers and professionals.
The rapid spread of coronavirus has left the healthcare workers with severe shortage of face masks. Shova who is spearheading the DIY mask project, wants to spread the word that the protective masks are free. Inspired by her grandmother’s philosophy of ‘Once a giver is always a giver’, she is determined to make a social impact. “Fabric is like a chocolate for me right now. Whenever I get a call, I promptly run like a child to collect.” She shares enthusiastically.
She suggests that by using these protective cloth masks, health officials can make sure that N95 respiratory masks and surgical masks are reserved for the frontline healthcare workers.
Ideation of DIY masks:
It all started with a brief conversation between Shova and other Sewa volunteers Nisha Sinha and Sarvalakshmi Uppuluri. They were discussing how this pandemic is growing exponentially and the healthcare professionals are directly impacted by it. Driven by Sewa’s mission of serving humanity in distress and providing an aid to local communities, they decided to sew masks and donate.
The core team:
The DIY mask team is strategically divided into Collection, Distribution/Delivery and Sewing team.
Collection Team is responsible for collecting the fabric from stores and other sources.
Distribution/Delivery Team is responsible for the pick and drop of the fabric to the sewing team’s houses. And finally dropping the box of masks to various centers. It is strictly at-the-door-step service only, keeping guidelines of social distancing in mind.
Sewing Team is led by a Kiran Komaragiri, a fashion designer and sewing expert. A member of the HopTown Legacy volunteers group, she has been conducting online sessions on sewing. She carefully guides the sewing team to cut and stitch, by following the pleat pattern.
A project in progress:
Through its strong network of sewing enthusiasts, Sewa’s Boston Chapter is determined to help the healthcare workers in the frontline of this pandemic. Currently the team has 75 volunteers and together they have successfully sewn and donated approximately 4000 masks to 20 leading hospitals in Massachusetts.
Besides, Sewa has also distributed free masks to other essentials services like Spice Hut and Whole Foods Market, Hopkinton Police Department, Hopkinton Fire Department, Nashua City Hall, rehab centers, nursing homes, physicians, assisted living centers etc. Sewa has been receiving much appreciation for its selfless community service.
Volunteer’s health a priority for Sewa: As the coronavirus outbreak continues and physical distancing becomes more stressful, Sewa’s top priority is the health of its volunteers. The volunteers are advised to diligently practice the social distancing while visiting hospitals and healthcare facilities for dropping masks.
As the project gradually progressed, the volunteers have come together as a close knit unit, building new friendships amongst themselves.
Guidelines for the DIY masks: There are guidelines of carefully handling the mask sewing kit and delivery of the final product. Sewa volunteers are following the hygienic procedure of handling the raw materials. The collection team must wear gloves while picking the fabric from the stores. After collecting the fabric, it should be washed and sanitized with utmost precaution.
The sanitized fabric is packed in a sealed bag and dropped at the doorstep of various volunteers who are responsible for sewing. The sewing team handles the material with utmost precaution while cutting and stitching. Hands should be washed and sanitized and stitching should be done in a clean place. After the masks are ready, it should be packed in a sealed bag and left at the doorstep and the collection team should be informed. The collection team picks the sealed bags of masks from the doorstep of the sewing team. At all times, the volunteers engaged in pick and drop of the materials should wear a mask and gloves and follow all the guidelines of social distancing.
Encouraging children in Volunteerism: Confusion exist about how long will this crisis last. In the midst of the pandemic, school closures and widespread social disruption, families are learning to adapt to this novel crisis. Parents find this as an opportunity to encourage children in community service while working from home. It is heartening to see young children lending a helping hand in cutting and measuring the fabric.
Committed in community service: Amid this unprecedented time, it is incredible to witness the commitment of Sewa volunteers. Our healthcare workers are overwhelmed with sick patients, and limited resources to protect themselves. Sewa is continuing to inspire many people who offer to help the community. While maintaining social distancing and united in their mission, Sewa is determined to fulfill its three-fold mission of serving the community in distress, aiding the local community and promoting volunteerism.
The force behind the cause:
Shova Sharma, Geetanjali Virmani, Ashwani Virmani, Radhika Dixit, Sarvalakshmi Uppuluri, Bhargav Surma, Medha Nadgir, Ajay Goel, Kajal Dixit, Anju Garg, Kavitha Mamidala, Sanjeev Kaushik, Mrudula Patel and Nisha Sinha. Also supported by other Sewa volunteers, HopTown Legacy volunteers and many more volunteers.
