Local News

Dress Maker Filling Face Mask Shortage

(LaPorte, IN) - Patti Pierson started making face masks for her sister, a respiratory therapist from Hobart, to help with a shortage during the COVID-19 spread.  

         The sewing machine at her clothing store in LaPorte is working practically non-stop now filling orders at no cost from others on the front lines of the outbreak. 

         “It’s been a blur, really. I haven’t slept much,” said Pierson.

         She and a few helpers were up to 350 masks when Franciscan Health learning about the effort placed the most recent order on her Facebook page. 

         Her masks have already gone to LaPorte Hospital, the LaPorte Fire Department and other places like nursing homes.

         Even medical facilities near Detroit and Nevada have received deliveries of her finished product.

         Her first masks went to her sister, Casey Hahney , who came to her for help with the shortage about two weeks ago.

          Hahney works full-time at a doctor’s office closed because of the virus.

         She’s been filling in at places like St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago to help with manpower during the crisis.

         Pierson, though, couldn’t stop knowing the need for masks was elsewhere. 

         “I made her about 50 then decided to make for others since not everyone is lucky enough to have a sister that sews,” Pierson said.

         She and her husband, Keith, are owners of The Pink Sheep Boutique at 501 Lincolnway.

         Patti makes about half of the children’s clothing offered in the store.

         Used for the masks is pre-washed 100-percent cotton fabric normally used by Pierson to make dresses and other garments.

         Since her clothing is for young children, the images depicted on her masks range from flowers to baseballs and cartoon characters like Spiderman.

         Each mask features a pocket for inserting a filter for added protection.

         Her husband learned how to run a sewing machine just a couple of days ago to help with the mission.

         The retired 28-year member of the U.S Army was recently laid off from his job at Ford Motor Co. in Chicago due to the virus.

          Mr. Pierson said people asking for masks report they’re waiting on deliveries from other suppliers while the ones they have now are falling apart.

         “Until then maybe we can help alleviate that,” he said.

         

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