Dearborn County Retired Teachers Join The Mask Sewing Army

Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at 6:24 AM

As of Sunday, 379 masks have been donated to different healthcare across the country.

(Dearborn Co., Ind.) - A group of retired teachers are trading in their patterns to make dresses and shorts for cloth masks.

After getting inspiration from Claudia Miller's Sewing Soldiers group, Cathy Mund decided to organize the Dearborn County Retired Teachers Association (DCRTA). These retired teachers repurposed their sewing group to meet the needs for frontline healthcare workers in the community.

DCRTA provides masks to those with independent requests as well as donating to Miller's group.

As of Sunday, 379 masks have been donated to different healthcare across the country. Masks have been donated to Chateau of Batesville Assisted Living, Gateway Rehabilitation Hospital in Florence, Kentucky, and to a nurse that works with cancer patients in Phoenix, Arizona.

DCRTA sewers also pass out masks curbside at Walmart, Kroger, and various local banks.

All masks made by the group are individually washed, bagged, labelled, and machine washable. These three layer masks are made with interfacing fabric sandwiched between two pieces of cotton fabric, which allows the mask to be water-repellant and provides greater protection with the goal of keeping out the COVID-19 virus.

Lucille Klerk and Owner of Quilter's Garden Vicki Reiter donated many of the necessary items to make these masks.

DCRTA sewers that are providing their tireless efforts include Janet Hart, Jennifer McClamrock, Judy Mosier, Etta Bostwick, Patty Harper, Denise Kilburn, Marsha Malje and Delores Rector.

If you would like a DCRTA mask, email Cathy directly at camund@gmail.com. Orders will be filled on a first come, first serve basis.

Masks are provided free of charge. If you would like to support the DCRTA, you may make supply or monetary donations.

The most needed supplies are ¼ inch elastic and interfacing.

Monetary donations can be made to DCRTA (Dearborn County Retired Teachers Association) c/o Cathy Mund and mailed to 16511 Possum Ridge Aurora Indiana 47001.