Monroe City Responds to PPE Need With 2300 Masks

It all started with a phone call to Mom.

Dr. Stephanie Hartman makes her rounds at a hospital in Nebraska. She called her mother, JoLynn Yates in Monroe City, telling her the hospital was running out of masks to protect their healthcare workers.  JoLynn got on it.  And now, a month later, JoLynn and an entire team of seamstresses have sewn more than 2300 masks for people in need.  It's a pretty amazing feat for a town of 2500.

JoLynn recruited fellow Monroe Citian Charletta Washington and they were later joined by about 20 other volunteers.  First the women cranked out the order for Dr. Hartman.  Next, they fired up their sewing machines and made masks for nursing homes, emergency personnel and group homes.  When that batch was finished, essential workers were covered.  Now, anyone who lives or works in Monroe City can get a mask for free.

Shannon Quinn has hand-delivered most of these masks.  Ben Franklin has provided fabric and supplies backed by other donations from scores of people.  The material needs are covered.  Donations that come in now go right to the local food bank or the summer lunch program for kids.  In that way, these marvelous mask makers are helping not only to protect, but also to feed Monroe City during this time of need.