In an effort to do what I can during this global pandemic, I have been sewing for Mask Makers of Tampa Bay, which donates masks to local hospitals. Some of my cotton cloth masks have gone to St. Joe’s Hospital, and now I am sewing special surgical masks for Tampa General Hospital.
![IMG-3791](https://blog.tampaprep.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG-3791.jpg?width=291&name=IMG-3791.jpg)
![IMG-3795](https://blog.tampaprep.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG-3795.jpg?width=293&name=IMG-3795.jpg)
I have also donated cotton masks to Empath Partners in Care. I quilt, so I have lots of fabric, even a Simpson’s print!
![IMG-3822-2](https://blog.tampaprep.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG-3822-2.jpg?width=400&name=IMG-3822-2.jpg)
In keeping with the School's mission, I'm just doing my best, trying to create, aspire to excellence and go beyond to help out the community. This past weekend I spent about 16 - 20 hours on these masks, and have sewn about 75 masks of all different types. Surgical masks take longer because they are made out of a fabric recycled from the operating room fabric that keeps instruments sterile. I've had to make bias tape for those - that took a while! The elastic I'm using was donated by a Seminole Heights community member.
![IMG-3803](https://blog.tampaprep.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG-3803.jpg?width=400&name=IMG-3803.jpg)
It’s a great cause, and of course, I couldn’t have dedicated the time without the support of my dear husband (History and Social Sciences teacher Andrew Hill).