McGregor Lions member Scott Turner
Riverwood Healthcare Center has been contacted by many local residents willing to donate materials like face masks and gowns to help protect health care workers during the coronavirus illness outbreak. SEE FLYER for more information on items needed. SEE MASK PATTERN/DIRECTIONS
A group of Riverwood Auxiliary members and other local residents from churches and community groups are busy sewing face masks, long-sleeved gowns and medical-type bonnets that are all designed to protect health care providers, nurses and others delivering medical care from the highly infectious coronavirus disease named COVID-19.
Special patterns and material need to be used for the masks, gowns and bonnets. For example, face masks need to be sewn from 100% cotton fabric and gowns need to be made from a polyester material that is more water repellent. If you are comfortable sewing garments, contact Riverwood Auxiliary member Peg Lundberg, 218-380-3016, for patterns, questions and delivery of materials.
The McGregor Lions offered to purchase material and deliver it to those who are sewing items to donate so they can stay home and stay safe. Lions member Scott Turner, 218-839-2110, and Riverwood Board member Steve Wilson, 218-513-6898, have volunteered to do materials drop-offs and pickups. Do not drop off any donations directly to Riverwood’s clinics or hospital.
“We are extremely grateful for the overwhelming support from our Riverwood community,” said Katie Nelson, Riverwood Foundation Director. “Already in a week’s time 450 face masks have been sewn, with 300 donated to Riverwood and 150 to Aicota Health Care Center. Masks and gowns not needed at Riverwood will be donated to other area nursing homes and assisted living facilities. It is so great to see our community come together and reach out to help in a big way in this unprecedented crisis.”
There is also a need for N95 masks, a respiratory protective device designed to achieve a very close facial fit and very efficient filtration of airborne particles. Donations of disposable gowns used in health care facilities are also welcome. If you have any of these items to donate, call Scott Turner or Steve Wilson for pick up and delivery to Riverwood.
Another way to help is to give a monetary donation to Riverwood Foundation. You may give online at www.riverwoodhealthcare.org (click on the GIVE NOW button) or mail a check to Riverwood Foundation, 200 Bunker Hill Drive, Aitkin, MN 56431.
