Sarah Olmstead, Monroe EMT, is organizing a mask drive for homemade masks to be used in emergency situations where no other mask option is available. She is collecting masks on a front porch recently, which is how she chooses to collect them to avoid interaction. 

This drive was initiated because of the COVID-19 outbreak and the possibility that there will be a short supply of personal protective equipment. Total count as of April 3 was 227 masks collected and 150 distributed to three facilities in Monroe. 

Julie’s Bridal in Monroe has donated gown bags to the drive, which will be cut down and included in kits as a lining layer. Anita Peach from Monroe Bible Church is putting together kits for 450 masks and has personally donated the majority of supplies. Kits contain supplies to make 25 masks each and are available. 

The Facebook page: Million Masks – MonroeWI has been published and the group is accepting donations of 1/4 inch elastic, laundry bags for delicates to wash the masks, 100% cotton fabric and spools of thread. Visit www.millionmasksmonroewi.com for more information.