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Jo-Ann Fabrics giving customers free materials to make face masks

Posted at 8:26 AM, Mar 24, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-24 08:44:42-04

As hospitals and health care facilities run dangerously low on critical supplies, America’s crafting and sewing communities are jumping in to help.

Groups across the nation have started sewing and crafting protective masks, gowns and other essential items to donate, and JOANN Stores is stepping up to help as many of these generous makers and health care facilities as possible.

Beginning this week, while adhering to social distancing guidelines, JOANN will open its classrooms to any who want to help make these essential items.

Participating locations will offer sewing machines, materials and guidance to help customers safely make facemasks and covers, gowns and other items to donate to America’s hospitals. JOANN will provide and donate 100% of the supplies needed for these projects for those who come in to make.

“The amazing thing about the crafting community is that, especially in difficult times, they are always looking for ways to help,” said Wade Miquelon, President & CEO of JOANN. “We are seeing hospital workers, organizations and individuals coming into our stores for supplies to make these essential items, and our customers are asking us how they can help. So many are spending their time and money to help in this tragic situation, and we want to step in to do our part to protect the amazing people who are helping the communities we serve.”

Classroom occupancy will be limited to adhere to the CDC-recommended guidelines for social distancing and local restrictions, and Team Members will ensure continuous sanitization of materials and spaces, as well as the rest of the store, according to the company.

If you would like to participate in making supplies, visit joann.com/stores to find a classroom near you.

Those who want to make-to-give to the effort at home will be able to take advantage of JOANN’s Ship-to-Home and Curbside Pickup options, and find tutorials to create the items at joann.com/maketogive .

All open JOANN locations will serve as collection points for those making in their homes, and all items created by customers will be donated to help medical systems extend their dwindling supplies of protective equipment, and will be used at the hospital’s discretion.

In addition to helping individuals make-to-give, JOANN is working with larger hospitals and medical facilities to secure materials such as fabric, elastic and clear vinyl to hospitals that are in need of supplies.

Entities in need of supplies should contact joannplus@joann.com .

Additional Coronavirus information and resources:

Click here for a page with resources including a COVID-19 overview from the CDC, details on cases in Michigan, a timeline of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's orders since the outbreak, coronavirus' impact on Southeast Michigan, and links to more information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC and the WHO.

View a global coronavirus tracker with data from Johns Hopkins University.

Find out how you can help restaurants struggling during the pandemic.

See complete coverage on our Coronavirus Continuing Coverage page.