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Blaine County

Blaine County 4-Hers Answer the Call to Service and Make Masks During the COVID 19 Crisis

Published: 2020
By Julianne Snedigar
When the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, many were faced with shortages of essential items. One of these items was face masks. 4-H members were called to service and asked to help sew face masks for local elderly. In an effort organized by Blaine County MSU Extension, 10 4-H youth, with the help of adult volunteer leaders, were able to sew over 300 face masks. MSU Extension asked for local county residents to donate any spare material and elastic for the face masks. Through contact-less delivery, Blaine County residents donated over 50 yards of fabric and 50 yards of elastic. The face masks were donated to a local nursing home, as well as two retirement homes in the county. Blaine County 4-H members donated over 25 hours of service to the project. They were able to work on sewing skills, as well as participate in a supportive community service project. In addition, Extension office staff sewed over 50 youth-sized masks to donate to any area youth that needed a mask. Extension staff also assisted a Fort Belknap area resident in constructing an additional 50 masks. Eventually, the supply of commercially-produced face masks was able to catch up with demand. However, in Blaine County, several of the masks are still in use as they are comfortable, washable, and made by caring 4-H members.
Face masks made by local 4-H members.