Walla Walla Solidarity

As communities across the country are

beginning to deal with the effects of the
global pandemic caused by coronavirus
(COVID-19), we are organizing an effort
in the Walla Walla Valley to look out for
each other and make sure our most
vulnerable are protected.

We call this work, SOLIDARITY. It’s

taking responsibility for the well being of
other community members and making sure their basic human needs
are being met. It’s the theory that my family will fight for your family
and your family will fight for my family.

It’s in that spirit that we’re proud to announce that we are launching an
effort to get reusable face masks into the hands of every front-line
essential worker —medical staff, first responders, grocery store clerks,
delivery drivers, home health workers, and pharmacy staff. We are also
inviting those who are most vulnerable to the virus to request a mask
as well — seniors, those with immune deficiencies.

This guide will help explain the project and how you can get involved to
help out.
We started this project by having conversations with infectious disease
professionals and reviewing data provided by the US Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health
Organization (WHO). We recognize at the forefront that we cannot
make a mask at home that does the same thing as certified respirators
like the N-95 masks, but we don’t want too. Those masks should be
reserved for medical staff working directly with COVID-19 patients.
Experts know that coronavirus is spread through droplets of moisture
produced by simply breathing and when we cough & sneeze. Wearing a
face mask prevents most of your droplets from being spread into the air.
This doesn’t protect you, but it protects others — like vulnerable senior
citizens who could face death if infected with the virus.
Our research has not led us to create a perfect mask. But, we have
listened carefully and made our best effort to create a mask that is
comfortable, reusable and as effective as possible.
We’re giving them away for free, for as long as the community will
purchase materials for us to make more. All labor is donated by
neighbors who want to help others.
Based on our research, the minimum requirement for cloth face masks
should:
 Be made from new 100% cotton tight knit fabric;
 Be at least three layers thick;
 Have a piece of metal (pipe cleaner) to custom fit the mask to
the bridge of the nose.
 Contain either elastic or tie straps from all four corners of the
mask.

As you can imagine, there are dozens of mask patterns floating around
on social media. Here’s some of the common issues we discovered:
 Masks contain a “filter pocket” — this opening compromises the
effectiveness of the mask and puts the user at risk. Sew all four
sides of your mask for optimal protection.
 Masks made from used clothing or linens—infectious disease
professionals discourage using old clothing or bed linens for
masks. Fibers in the fabric are likely worn down and will not
offer the filtration needed.
 Masks less than 3 layers — Public health experts recommend a
minimum of three layers for homemade masks to be the most
effective. The middle layer should be a “filtering” layer (such as
Pellon quilting batting or a filtration medium).
 Diaper or waterproof fabric — this fabric is often treated or so
tightly knit that it makes it difficult for the user to breathe. This
fabric is not recommended.
Our project is managed by volunteers using materials purchased from
the community. Here’s the step-by-step process:
1) Supply Acquisition:
We have created a Walmart.com Registry with a list of current supply needs.
Community members are able to purchase supplies directly from our list and they’re
shipped directly to us. This prevents us from having to handle money and reduces the
risk of spreading the virus through community supply drives. We are using Walmart
because they were one of the few supplies who carried everything we need and offered
the ability of community members to buy our supplies directly.

2) Assembly Team:
When supplies arrive, they are distributed to Assembly Team volunteers who use our
uniform patterns to cut fabric and assemble mask kits. These volunteers need to have
space to roll out fabric and the ability to cut fabric into small pattern pieces.

3) Sewing Team:
Once mask kits are assembled, they are distributed to the Sewing Team who puts
them together in accordance with our pattern standards. These volunteers operate
sewing machines and need to have basic sewing skills. We hope to have some “loaner”
sewing machines to provide folks who can sew but do not have equipment.

4) Packing Team:
Completed masks are then transferred to the Packing Team who washes & dries the
masks and packages them in freezer bags. Included with the mask is care & usage
instructions. This ensures all masks are sanitized using best practices to prevent the
spread of the virus and users have information they need to use them effectively.

5) Delivery Team:
Our delivery team collects masks once they are packaged and distributes them to local
institutions and individuals who request them through our website. These volunteers
will need to have access to an automobile. All deliveries are in the Walla Walla Valley
(Walla Walla, College Place, Milton-Freewater, Waitsburg, Dayton).
The following supplies are needed to make masks:

 Mask pattern (in this guide)

 Sewing machine
 Tight knit cotton fabric (new, not used)
 MERV 13 filtration fiber (air filters)
(if you cannot find this, use Pellon quilting batting)

 Elastic or bias tape

 Pipe cleaners
 Thread
 Scissors
 Sewing pins
 Iron
You will need four (4) of these per mask.
You will need two (2) of these per mask.
You will need four (4) of these per mask.
You will need two (2) of these per mask.
You will need four (4) of these per mask.
You will need two (2) of these per mask.
You will need four (4) of these per mask.
You will need two (2) of these per mask.
We encourage all volunteers to practice the following safety guidelines
while helping to make masks for front-line workers & vulnerable
community members:

1) Sanitize your work surface:

Before starting work, clean your work surface with sanitizer cleaner.

2) Practice good hand hygiene:

Wash your hands with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds. Repeat this process
every 30 minutes if possible. Avoid touching your face.

3) Wear a mask:
Wear a clean mask while you work with materials or masks.

4) Clean packing:
When washing, drying and packing masks take every precaution possible to avoid
contamination. Store packing supplies in a safe space away from others. Store
packaged masks in an environment away from others, to avoid cross contamination.

5) No contact deliveries:
Delivery volunteers should practice the above guidelines. Use hand sanitizer or
rubbing alcohol to frequently sterilize your hands. We will pre-arrange delivery of
masks with recipients. Masks will be dropped off outside of the recipients office or
home, by the door. Once we are gone, they can retrieve their mask(s). Avoid face-to-
face contact with community members during delivery. Wear a mask while handling
and delivering masks.

Additional guidelines may be recommended throughout the process and

will be sent to volunteers via email.
 Walla Walla Solidarity
www.wallawallasolidarity.com

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