AVON, Ind. — Erika Pike started the group Sew and Serve Indy back in March making masks for hospital workers on the front line in the battle against COVID-19. But as classrooms are about to reopen, the nonprofit group with about 200 sewers has turned its focus to providing masks for students.
Sew and Serve Indy will deliver tens of thousands of masks to about 25 school districts in the next few weeks, starting this week in Hendricks County.
“This will provide a fun mask for them to wear in school, that maybe they wouldn't have otherwise had,” said Pike.
Pike dropped off 3,000 masks to Avon Schools Monday. Tuesday, she delivered more masks to the Mill Creek School Corporation and dropped off 2,700 masks at the Brownsburg Schools Administration Center.
“We are just thrilled. I'm so appreciative,” said Brownsburg Schools Assistant Superintendent Kat Jessup. “We're excited about being able to share this with our kids and our staff. I think these are going to be well used and much appreciated.”
All materials and labor are donated. Sew and Serve Indy has made over 150,000 masks since the nonprofit was formed.
“It's been incredible what has happened,” said Pike. “What started as a small idea to just get face masks to a few hospital workers when the PPE shortage was in place has grown into a community.”
Anyone who wants to donate or get involved should visit the Sew and Serve Indy Facebook page.