Many SBC of Virginia churches have jumped in to make face masks during this pandemic. As Virginia nears the time of our “peak” for COVID-19 cases, the need for facemasks will grow. Some hospitals and healthcare facilities are already running low on personal protective equipment (PPE) and the needs extend beyond health care as well. Here are 5 ways you can help with masks. As SBC of Virginia churches work together, we can make a huge difference in the lives and health of so many who are serving so well and so many who are most vulnerable.

1. Bon Secours Health System is asking for at least 500 juvenile sized masks ASAP for children of healthcare workers who are immune-compromised throughout their healthcare system. We need churches to make those masks and return them to SBCV the week after Easter. Fabric masks for health care workers in Bon Secours hospitals will be used as PPE resources dwindle. Please contact mobilizing@sbcv.org for information about dropping off masks in the Richmond area.
2. Contact your local hospitals, nursing homes, doctor offices and see if they have need or desire for masks for personnel. This is a local ministry that you can be involved with and care for those serving your community.
3. Make masks for first responders in your community and for those who work at grocery stores, your mail carriers and delivery drivers… anyone who is serving your community faithfully. This Easter week is a perfect time to share the hope of Christ through this act of service.
4. Make masks for shut-ins and for nursing home residents in your community. This will help protect the most vulnerable among us.
5. As the CDC is suggesting the use of masks when in public, you can make masks for your own church members and for your neighbors. Distributing masks among church members and neighbors will give an opportunity to share Christ in your community.

6. Consider adding buttons to headbands for medical professionals. This keeps the elastic from rubbing the backs of your ears raw. Just sew 2 buttons on a headband & loop the elastic around the buttons instead of your ears.

Example of buttons being added to headbands to protect ears.

See the link below for recommended facemask patterns for all sizes/ ages. These come recommended from a high ranking Bon Secours official. Patterns with pockets are helpful for healthcare workers as they can add a filter as necessary.

Face Mask Sewing Patterns

As you see unique needs in your community, please share with us at notalone@sbcv.org the ways that your church is able to meet needs. We want to celebrate and highlight how God is at work through SBCV churches across the Commonwealth.

Example of buttons being added to headbands to protect ears.