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JOANN stores mobilize crafters to make protective gear for health care workers

Posted at 12:43 PM, Apr 06, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-06 13:43:09-04

JOANN Stores across the country are mobilizing America’s crafting and sewing communities to help health care workers on the front lines of the fight against the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Groups across the nation have started sewing and crafting protective masks, gowns and other essential items to donate, and JOANN Stores is stepping up to help as many of these generous makers and health care facilities as possible, the company stated in a release.

According to JOANN, the company has opened its classrooms to any who want to help make these essential items while adhering to social distancing guidelines. Participating locations will offer sewing machines, materials and guidance to help customers safely make face masks and covers, gowns and other items to donate to America’s hospitals.

JOANN says it will provide and donate 100% of the supplies needed for these projects for those who come in to make.

Classroom occupancy will be limited to adhere to the CDC-recommended guidelines for social distancing and local restrictions, and JOANN says its Team Members will ensure continuous sensitization of materials and spaces, as well as the rest of the store.

Crafters who are interested in making supplies can visit JOANN.com/Stores to find a local classroom. Those who want to make-to-give to the effort at home will be able to take advantage of JOANN’s Ship-to-Home and Curbside Pickup options, and find tutorials to create the items at JOANN.com/MakeToGive.

According to JOANN, all open JOANN locations will serve as collection points for those making in their homes, and all items created by customers will be donated to help medical systems extend their dwindling supplies of protective equipment, and will be used at the hospital’s discretion.

In addition to helping individuals make-to-give, JOANN states it is working with larger hospitals and medical facilities to secure materials such as fabric, elastic and clear vinyl to hospitals that are in need of supplies. Entities in need of supplies should contact joannplus@joann.com.