Forward donated 800 square yards of fabric and $300 in gas cards to Mid-Michigan Mask Makers (4M), a group comprised of nearly 300 volunteers who give their time, fabric, and sewing skills to make masks for hospitals, nursing homes, and other organizations in need throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region.
“We’ve heard of the amazing things 4M is doing in the community and wanted to do what we could to help,” said Abby Moniz, president of Forward Corp. “The fact that so many volunteers pulled together so quickly to bring this to life is an amazing example of the good things that can come out of bad times.”
4M was formed only two weeks ago as the need for masks became apparent. As the group coordinators like to say, two old friends and a random stranger came together and were quickly joined by others. They are quick to ensure that the group as a whole gets credit, not just one person.
“We’re doing our best to respond to the needs of the community by donating masks to medical and essential frontline workers as well as the general public,” states Tami Davis, one of the group coordinators. “We are trying to donate as many masks as possible.”
The group has received support from many local organizations and businesses such as The Woolen Mill in Frankenmuth, Ken’s Sewing Center in Saginaw, and Park Bench Quilt in Midland. 4M has also received donations from national brands such as JoAnn Fabric and The Home Depot. They are currently donating about 1,000 hand-sewn masks per week.
The fabric Forward donated is enough to make thousands of masks, the group says. Some of those will be distributed to employees in Forward’s network of essential convenience stores and restaurants with the remaining masks being donated to hospitals and other organizations in the community. The $300 in gas cards will help cover 4M’s transportation and delivery costs.
The group also started a GoFundMe to further offset transportation costs. It has raised over $1,300. For more information about 4M, visit facebook.com/4M.MidMichiganMaskMakers/