ST. LOUIS — The nonprofit Saint Louis Fashion Fund is working with local fashion designers to make medical masks for those on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic.
Saint Louis Fashion Fund received a $70,000 donation from the family of longtime supporter Michelle Trulaske to fund the project, called "STL Makers Unite For Medical Masks."
The fund's designer in residence, Michael Drummond, is recruiting 10 out-of-work sewers to meet the demand. The team will make 14,000 masks in 45 days that meet CDC standards for front-line workers.
The masks are reusable after they're sanitized and will be made in three sized -- small for children, and medium and large for adults. They will be used by healthcare workers, grocery store workers and those working in patient care facilities.
“We were so impressed that Michael and the Fashion Fund could pull together such a significant effort and wanted to do our part. We hope others will rise to the occasion and continue the wonderful work of Michael and his team of stitchers," Trulaske said.
The design was overseen by Dr. Kumiko Shimodan, an anesthesiologist with St. Luke’s Hospital.
"I am most impressed with the alacrity and heartfelt commitment of Michael and his team in their response to the medical community's urgent need for face masks and to support the local health system," Shimodan said. "It has been a pleasure to provide medical oversight of his thoughtful and durable design and feel confident that his masks will help prevent contamination when one coughs or sneezes and will provide a great reminder to not touch your face."
Those who want to help in the fund's efforts can make a donation by calling 314-400-9300 or clicking here.
Mayor Lyda Krewson wore one of the masks in a social media post. She has joined the "Mayors with Masks" movement, encouraging St. Louisans to wear masks if they have to be out in public.
More local stories:
- ‘She’s my angel’ | Fate turned a phlebotomist into family for St. Louis area woman who needed a kidney
- Yes, you can still drive in St. Louis County during the stay-at-home order
- 3 residents of St. Charles senior facility test positive for COVID-19
- Closed downtown St. Louis hotel uses darkness to spread light and love
- Dierbergs workers 'keep on keeping on' amid COVID-19 outbreak
- List of restaurants in the St. Louis area offering curbside pickup