Generous donation

We received an extremely generous donation of fabric for making masks! Thank you to Darice Incorporated for 500 bolts equaling 4,360 yards of fabric. Darice previously sent us 100 bolts for mask making.

We donated fabric to St. Luke's Hospital, Masked Mamas, Wentzville Senior Center, Navajo Nation and members of Busy Hands for making cloth masks.
We were also able to sell a portion to fund our purchase of flannel for charity sewing for organizations such as Sweet Babies and Days for Girls.

Thank your Cheryl Darnell for connecting us with Darice and making it all possible!

DfG Masks4Millions

Hello Maskateers & Anyone Needing Cloth Masks!

As of this morning, we have delivered 140 masks locally and are still sewing.

Thank you to our wonderful volunteer sewists for your willingness to step up to create face masks for medical professionals and immune-compromised individuals!

Thank you for all of the generous donations of fabric and elastic. We are accepting donations of sewing elastic (1/4", 3/8" or cord), 100% cotton fabric, 100% cotton thread. Please email us at BusyHands4All@gmail.com. The elastic is in short supply. Thank you!

Days for Girls' emails and phone lines have been flooded with requests for face masks to distribute to medical personnel and patients around the world. Together, we are ready to pivot to answer the call! If you need face masks, please fill out the form at www.DaysforGirls.org, and we will do everything we can to meet your needs. It is really easy! Here are step-by-step instructions to request masks.

Step 1: Go to www.DaysforGirls.org. Scroll to this mask image  & click "Learn More".

Step 2: Click "Request Masks".

Step 3: Fill in the form (this is a sample image, not a real form). Click "Submit Request".

If you have any questions or elastic/fabric/thread donations - please contact us.

Stay Calm & Sew ON! Stay safe.

With gratitude,

Days for Girls O'Fallon MO Team & Busy Hands4All

Frequently Asked Mask Questions

Frequently Asked Questions for the

DfG Masks4Millions Response

1. What pattern should I use?
We are finding that different hospitals, clinics, long term care facilities, fire stations,
homeless shelters, food banks, and others who are in need of masks have various
requirements. In some cases they are looking for a mask that fits over an N-95 mask to
make them last longer, others are requesting a pocket to use for various filters to give to
patients, and in many other situations, a basic mask can be excellent for helping not touch
their face. Check with the group who you are making the masks for and ask if they have
a specific request before starting if possible. If you are unsure, the basic mask is well
received in a majority of situations - especially for immune-compromised individuals.
When you register with us, we will update you as information comes in.

2. Do you have video tutorials?
Yes, there are several options.
Please watch this video from Dr. Lauren Streicher for a basic surgical mask. From an emergency doctor on a creative way to make an R-95 here.
Face mask to put over an R-95 mask with an insert. Found here
As more options come online, we will continue to update.

3. What are medical personnel saying about the use of cloth masks?
"Cloth masks can be very helpful in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Similar to paper surgical masks, cloth masks help prevent the transmission
of infectious droplets from the patient to the HCP (health care provider),
mainly if used in conjunction with eye protection and gloves (as
recommended by the CDC). Masks can also prevent potentially infectious
droplets from entering the air nearby. Though there is no data yet to
support this, cloth masks should work similarly to paper surgical masks as
they both act as a non-sterile physical barrier to person to person droplet
transmission. Due to the reusable nature of cloth masks, thorough washing
techniques after daily wear is an essential component of infectious disease
transmission reduction. The mask does not need to be sterilized but should
be cleaned with a disinfecting product such as soap and water. Cloth
masks could be an essential addition to existing medical equipment to help
prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Because both a surgical and cloth mask help prevent potentially infectious
droplets from a cough or sneeze from entering the air nearby, those with a
persistent cough should wear a mask when around others. Cloth masks
may be more comfortable in the long term and may lead to greater
adherence by those possibly infected individuals."
Dr. Karen E. Harris, MD, MPH
Day for Girls International Board Chair
Program Director for the OB/GYN Residency
UCF/HCA Consortium - Gainesville

4. I have heard that any type of mask other than an N-95 should not be used and
gives a fault sense of safety. Is that true?
There are differing opinions, and we are not medical experts. We do know that
there is a shortage, and all medical and immune-compromised people should be
prioritized to receive our N-95 supply. But we also have heard that for someone
who is sick, or finds a mask helps them not touch their face, then we also support
their choice, especially for those that are not able to stay at home (the preferred
location!)
Here is one article which quotes from Benjamin Cowling, an epidemiology
professor at the University of Hong Kong: "Masks are not a magic bullet against
coronavirus… but if everybody wears face masks, it probably can help, along with
all the other measures (like hand washing and social distancing), to reduce
transmission."

5. Are you still focused on ensuring menstrual products and health education
during this pandemic?
Yes! Because periods don't stop for pandemics, the need for healthy menstrual
products people can count on month after month will remain a quality option that
may be even more important to more of us as supply shortages occur.

6. Can I make masks for someone who isn't in the medical field?
Yes, we would encourage you to provide masks to anyone who is
immune-compromised, in the service field, and exposed to others or at particular risk
who is requesting one. Even with a mask, hand washing, and social distancing matters.

7. What is the Hashtag I should use for my photos when I share it on social
media?
#Masks4Millions and #PadstoMasks

Keep washing your hands, practicing social distancing, and STAY WELL. You
matter too. As more questions come in, we will continue to update this list.
Thank you!

The pattern is evolving

Hello Maskateers!

There are conflicting guidelines from 2 to 4 layers of tightly woven cotton, with or without pockets for filter material, with or without a wire for nose fit, with elastics or with ties. We are continuing with the Days for Girls pattern pleated mask option 2 with a few modifications. Click HERE for the pattern.

1. Add a pipe cleaner (minimum 4.5") to top for a better nose fit.
2. Use 4 @ 16" binding strips for ties when our elastic supply is depleted.
3. Optional serged 4.5" wide strip down the center of mask for a third layer. Filter material (if available) can be inserted behind it.

Some Notes:

--Do NOT try on a mask you are sending out.

--100% cotton acceptable for all sizes.

--Are you not sure if your fabric is 100% cotton? Use the burn test. Click HERE.

--Adult sizes needed more than child sizes.

--Do not use hair ties as the ear loops. They are too short and too tight.

--Get masks out as quickly as possible but do NOT sacrifice quality. This is a marathon, not a sprint.

Use our porch bins for drop off of completed masks and/or pick up supplies.

Email us for bin locations, questions, and if you receive an order request for masks.

BusyHands4All@gmail.com

Interested in joining O'Fallon, MO Days for Girls during COVID-19? Here's how you can get involved!

As medical service personnel struggle to have access to medical masks and shelves empty of period products, it is clear that COVID-19 does not prevent us from helping— it just changes the way that we do it for right now!

Here are important ways that you can help:

Help medical professionals have access to face masks. Days for Girls is getting requests for cloth medical masks from hospitals that are short on medical masks, i.e. local hospitals, clinics, dental, and veterinary practices, and those serving chemotherapy or other immune-suppressed patients. We are checking locally to see if there is a need for these resources. People on chemotherapy or otherwise immune-suppressed may also need masks. However, face masks are not recommended for personal private usage as this can give false confidence and reduce access to fresh air.
If you know of any clinic or practice needing cloth masks, please email us at busyhands4all@gmail.com.

All we know is that right now, you can help! If you would like to sew masks, we will distribute them on your behalf. Here is a link to the mask patterns. Drop off any completed masks in the bins at Colette's home or Tina's home.

Please note: This need may only exist for a week or two before the traditional supply is available, or it may be longer.

Keep washing your hands, practicing social distancing, and STAY SAFE and WELL. You matter too. KEEP CALM AND SEW ON.

At Home Projects Available

I know it's only been a few days on lockdown and if you are like me, the at-home projects are endless.  But if you are wanting something else to do in a crafting sort of way, I still have many projects available. And I am sure I have forgotten something!

• Want to learn to loom knit?  I have a wide variety of looms available for you to borrow and there is a multitude of youtube videos that will quickly get you started.
• Want to trace patterns and cut fabric?  We have flannel for bibs, blankets and sharing hearts.  We have fleece for bears.  We have duck cloth for Rice bags.
• Want to sew?  We have bears and changing pads ready to go now and a lot of flannel out being traced. We have kits for Angel gowns ready now also. 
• Want to make no-sew blankets?  We have fleece we can give you if needed. 

We have several more ideas that need to be refined for some specialty fabric we received or stretch fleece, stretch terry and stretch nylon like work out gear would be in.  If you have any ideas, let me know. 

Thanks to everyone who has already picked up or said they are working on items for our group!

Please stay healthy and be wise but most importantly remember that God has this all under control and is in charge.  When you start to get overwhelmed, pray.  

I love you all and miss you.

Stay in touch and let me know if I can help you stay busy.

Tina

Sew Thursdays Cancelled

It is with a heavy heart that we send out this message. Until further notice, we will not be meeting on Thursday mornings. As much as we don't want to do this, for selfish reasons, we feel it is better to be safe than sorry.  We have no projects that are time-sensitive currently.

So, in place of sewing Thursdays, we ask that you continue to charity sew from home. All of our patterns are on this blog, and you can use this time to lessen your fabric stash! If you don't have a fabric stash and would like to help with ours, just let us know, and we will put together all you need to get started on a project. 

If you want a new project ... consider joining in with our friends at O'Sewpersonal Fabric Shop's March Charity Sew. Their goal is 50 pediatric surgical caps for Children's Hospital of St. Louis. You can drop off your caps at the fabric shop inside or curbside or email us at busyhands4all@gmail.com for additional pickup/drop off arrangements.

Please stay in touch and healthy. We are going to miss you all but will see you soon.

Days for Girls Update from our International Chapters Director

From International Chapters & Teams Newsletter

2020 is shaping up to be a big year and I can't think of any group I would rather be working alongside!

With 2019's numbers finalized, I'm happy to share that Days for Girls has now reached over 1.7 million women and girls in 144 countries. This is a reminder that every single kit matters and each AWH education session is vitally important. Look at what we can achieve together!

Looking to 2020, at present we have 1,105 registered Chapters, Teams, and Clubs. 2020 here we come! Will 2020 be the year we reach 2 million?


With love,

Leyla Isin-Xiong
International Chapters Director
Days for Girls International

Busy Hands are Happy Hands!

Busy Hands 4 All Update Last Friday, we joined in O'Sew Personal Fabric Shop's Charity Sew and helped make 54 diaper change pads for Sweet Babies! Barb (of Sweet Babies) visited the sewing event and answered questions and greeted all of the volunteers. Thank you to all of the wonderful charity sewing volunteers at O'Sew Personal! We look forward to sewing with you again.

We have received some fabric donations and purchased some fleece - we need all hands on deck this Thursday, February 27 for notion sorting/counting, fabric organizing, bear stuffing, tying bows on the bears, and stuffing comfort pillows! No need to bring your sewing machines this week. 

We received a request for 100 sets of 5" sharing hearts for NICUS. They are due by March 23rd. Some are being sent home in kits to sew. Some are sewn. All will be staged for pinking the edges by next week. If you have pinking shears or a pinking rotary cutter - please bring them Thursday, March 12.

There will not be a sew day on Thursday, March 5. But don't worry - we will have home kits available for Rice Bags, Comfort Pillows, Bears, and Needle Holders. So please sew with us at home!

Angel Gowns buddy sew day will be on March 26 at 9:30 a.m. Please bring your sewing machine and basic sewing supplies. Fabric, trim and patterns will be supplied.

Days for Girls Update Last Thursday we were packed 45 Days for Girls kits that will go to India this weekend! Woo hoo! It was a fun and rewarding experience to see the kits come together especially with the new transport bags.  Mary Clark picked them up this week! We wish her and her team a safe journey and thank them for all they are doing to get the kits and women's' health education to the girls and women!

We also shipped 87 shields and 137 pairs of panties to Days for Girls' headquarters for distribution to refugees. Go, Team O'Fallon!

New Project Colette was asked by Charity Sharity to take over checking out and repairing donated machines to be given to OASIS International refugees and other Charity Sharity volunteers. She agreed to help. To accompany each refugee's machine going will be a pictorial (language barrier-free) user guide. We would like to gift the Oasis recipients some necessities and niceties! A fabric drawstring bag for the foot controller and a matching fabric velcro wrap for the power cord would be a welcome addition. How can you use a sewing machine without some basic notions? We'd like to make zipper pouches and include basic notions such as neutral thread, scissors, seam ripper, tape measure, pins, sewing needles (hand & machine), pins, pincushions, needle holder, bobbins etc to get them going.  We picked up many notions from Charity Sharity but could use more of the basic necessities. If you have extras in your sewing box, send them our way!  If you have sewing machine - we will take it ;)

Project Ideas 

1. At the O' Sew Personal sewing event, Barb mentioned a possible future project...black and white visual stimulation book for newborns. She asked us to develop some prototypes to visually stimulate the babies they serve. Colette made a small fabric book with four high contrast black and white fabrics and batting.  Tina is making one from felt in book or card form. We are looking for ideas and or additional prototypes!
2. Diaper bags for Sweet Babies' moms? Let's look for an easy pattern for a diaper bag that we could easily make for the new moms. 
3. Patriotic Bears with blue and white star fleece and red bows for first responders! We are looking for police or fire department contacts.

We got mail!

Days for Girls Team Update - February 14, 2020

We got mail! What`s not to love about receiving two parcels containing 15 drawstring bags and 45 transport bags and on Valentine`s Day?!?💓📪

Carey, our new Days for Girls sewist from Springfield, IL, mailed us completed components for an upcoming distribution to India. We warmly welcome Carey to our team! 

In November, we had the pleasure and honour of participating in the Days for Girls regional conference. We heard about recent news/updates and completed our Ambassador in Women's Health II Certification course from Celeste! It was fabulous to meet the other leaders, teams and chapters in Hamilton, MO. And we learned sew much!!!

In December, we supported a mission trip distributing enterprise kits to Manyatta, Kisumu, Kenya! We are proud of Laurie and honoured to be able to have a small part in her journey. Laurie used an enterprise in Kenya to distribute 50 kits. What is an enterprise? Women in developing countries are being taught how to make the items in kits. Accessing the materials and sewing machines/sergers (and electricity!) is often a challenge. DFG is training women not only on how to produce the kits but also on how to run a business. Visit https://www.daysforgirls.org/single-post/2020/02/18/Photo-Essay-Manyatta-Kenya-Distribution  to learn about Laurie's mission trip!

One of our favourite things about Days for Girls is their careful consideration to provide resources that meet cultural and legal needs to simply help girls stay in school. Did you know Kenya began the global plastic bag ban to reduce plastic pollution? To reach Kenyan girls, a transport bag made of PUL was designed to replace Ziploc bags. Each week, more and more countries are banning plastic bags. Days for Girls is introducing transport bags to replace plastic bags in all kits as of March 1, 2020 - to comply with the regulations and continue to reach women and girls.

On March 2, 45 of our supreme kits will be en route to India with the Farmington/Livonia, Michigan Days for Girls chapter. They are distributing 325 kits! We wish them safe travels and a successful distribution! Kit and distribution photos will be posted upon their return!

We are transitioning into a component team until our next kit distribution. We are perfecting the block shield method and sending our shields to headquarters for global distribution.

We are looking into making hybrid kits and making a difference in our local community. More news on this possibility coming soon!

New Life Evangelistic donation delivery

Thank you to all who donated warm winter items to the New Life Evangelistic Center in Overland, MO. We delivered seven bags and one box, all full of coats, hats, gloves, socks and more. All of the items will be sorted and taken to the city for distribution.

Even though St. Louis city shut down the Locust location, New Life Evangelistic is still working to help the homeless there. Since the closure in 2017, they have been able to purchase eight safe houses for women & children and veterans.

If you would like to continue to support them, monetary donations are always the best, but they are in need of:
~Winter outerwear clothing for men, woman, and children
~Blankets
~Hygiene products (shampoo, conditioner, soap, body wash, toothbrushes/toothpaste, mouth wash, razors, shaving cream, body & face lotion)
~First Aid supplies (band-aids, gauze, medical tape, triple antibiotic)
~Laundry detergent
~Non-perishable food
~Washcloths and towels
~Warm clothes for men
~Shoes for men, woman and children
~Diapers and baby wipes

If you have items to donate and can't make the delivery yourself, contact me for help. Their address for donations is 2428 Woodson Rd, Overland, MO 63114.

Charity Sharity Update

Below is an email from Carole at Charity Sharity with sad news, but expected. Without this beautiful charity, we would not be able to do half of what we do. Thanks to them, our fabric costs are very low. We will be lost without them. We pray a location can be found to keep the work they do going. Please read the email below. Do you know of a way to help or someone that might be able too? If so, please let us know.

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Gary Splater <gcgreentree@sbcglobal.net>
Date: Mon, Jan 6, 2020, at 3:43 PM
Subject: Fw: Charity Sharity needs everybody's help on this!

Hello, fabric lovers and friends of Charity Sharity,
It has been 20 years since we started our project of receiving donations of fabric and passing it on to those using it in the service of others. We had no idea where it would go, and the ride has been exhilarating!!
In our early years, we met 2 or 3 times a year to sort and distribute. With super growth, we now work once a week with a hands-on crew of 12-15 on Thursdays and, on Friday, putting out an average of 50-70 kitchen trash bags of fabric and yarn every week for individuals and groups to pick up from my porch or garage.
The work doesn't stop there because many, many sewists turn the fabric into fabulous items to help those needing care, comfort and even life-saving. We have those who transport, carry, lug and lift, and act as ambassadors. It has become a huge operation. Hundreds of people are doing good for, literally, thousands.
All of it has been based in my home, first working out of a walk-in closet and now taking up 3/4 of my basement, our "headquarters." However, the time has come for a relocation, hopefully, this year. I still plan to be at the helm and, probably, the same fabulous crew will still be part of it. The structure and operation will have to be worked out, but I need it all to happen in another space.
The problem is ---- Where? I am looking for connections and contacts --
Please do not email me with suggestions like "Have you tried churches, schools, retirement residences or vacant storefronts?" Yes, these are all possibilities, but blindly making "cold calls" will not lead anywhere. I need somebody who knows somebody who will connect!
For one thing, we have no money to pay rent, and we would probably not qualify for receiving a charitable gift of space without a tax ID, which we could easily get. Collecting 'goodwill offerings" might bring in a little but will have questionable and uncertain results.
Charity Sharity has become a main supplier for many people doing wonderful things they would not have been able to accomplish for shelters, schools, hospitals, military personnel, veterans, and on and on. I know you want it to continue as much as I do -- so please put your thoughts and prayers toward this. A new place may turn out to be better than it is now!
Carole

Happy 2020!

I can't believe another year is upon us. And can't wait to see the opportunities God will present to us in this coming year. Thank you to all who have helped in the past and have the desire to continue. I'm honoured to know and serve with so many wonderful ladies. Just a few notes about this coming year:
Our primary focus this year will be serving Days For Girls and Sweet Babies. But we will always be willing to help the many ministries that Charity Sharity has contact with and any other worthy cause.
We look forward to all the mornings of sewing, talking, laughing and sharing. There will not be the evening sewing nights like we had in previous years. If the need arises with a project, I might call for one or two. 

As the construction is completed at Waypoint church, later in 2020, I pray there will be a way to either move all of our meetings to Waypoint or hold special events there monthly.
I look forward to being able to share the essential work Days for Girls is doing to help Girls all over the world with more people. 

As a reminder, our meetings are Thursday mornings at 9:30 am until whenever (usually Noonish)
Please check your email for an update on each week's meetings as sometimes life issues get in the way. RSVPs are helpful to receive, so some planning can be done. And most importantly, stay in touch if you can't make it regularly. We are sewing, but we are becoming a family too.

God bless you all and may 2020 be an incredible year for you.
Tina