Our Story: When Life Gives You Scraps, Make a Mask!

When our most recent Sewing Studio cohort couldn't complete their session due to COVID-19, we delivered brand new machines to each student. Then, thanks to a grant from a local congregation, we equipped more than a dozen refugee women with materials and instructions to continue practicing their new skills at home by making face masks. 

They made 1,000 masks that were donated throughout the community to places serving people in need, but the demand quickly outgrew our small supply. In addition to masks we donated, our experienced sewers have made more than 2,000 masks to fulfill wholesale orders, many of which were also donated. 

Check out the coverage of our project in The Chicago Tribune, Block Club Chicago, and on WGN.

Want to buy a mask to support refugees and protect essential workers and people in need?
Now, we're accepting pre-orders for masks in two sizes, adult and child. Use the form below to order yours today. For bulk orders of 100 or more, please contact masks@refugeeone.org. ​