Sinclair College’s Theatre department sewing machines continue whirring across the Miami Valley as students, staff and volunteers make masks in support of essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.Costume shop manager and adjunct faculty member Kathleen Hotmer spearheaded the project providing the opportunity for displaced workers and Costume Fundamentals students to do something meaningful during this chaotic time when so many people feel helpless.
“Sewing is meditative so it is a nice thing for the students who are stressed to have something calming to work on. It’s also a really great opportunity for Theatre to contribute to the community in a meaningful way,” Hotmer said.
More than 400 masks are being produced and distributed by Sinclair students, staff and volunteers: Aurora Azbill, Garrett Hensley, Chloe Marstellar, Jordan Ross, Bailey Rhonemous, Katelyn Pennington, Gabby Neuerer, Brandy Mariani, Stephanie Poulson, Angel Ruiz-Crabb and Carol Price.Sinclair Theatre is collaborating with Wright State University’s costume shop students in this project. Carly Kimmins, WSU costume shop manager, has been sewings masks as well as working on community outreach. She has been the main force behind finding donation sites in need of masks. The Dayton Sewing Collaborative is also part of this team and has created a free mask request online form at https://bit.ly/39DEuZP.
Hotmer delivered mask kits with materials to all the stitchers and provided construction tutorials. The first batch of masks has already been distributed to Dayton Fire Department, Grace Hospice, Cincinnati Birth Center, and South Community (Mental Health Providers).
Hotmer plans to “porch pickup” completed masks from this week and distribute to additional donation sites including Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association,Goodwill Easter Seals, Planned Parenthood, and Miami Valley Hospital.
For more information on how you can help, contact [email protected], or visit Dayton Sewing Collaborative’s website: www.daytonsewing.com/covid.
