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United Way of Meriden and Wallingford News

Web Site: http://www.unitedwaymw.org
35 Pleasant St., Suite 1E, Meriden, CT 06450
Tel: (203) 235-4403 Fax: (203) 235-4404

The United Way of Meriden and Wallingford mobilizes resources to create lasting change.

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"SEW UNITED". United Way Organizes an URGENT Drive For People To Make Facemasks

April 15, 2020

The United Way of Meriden and Wallingford has commenced another initiative it calls "Sew United" to recruit and organize those people who have an interest, skill and willingness to use their expertise to make non-surgical masks to be used in hospitals, nursing homes and other medical facilities.

The inspiration for this project comes from United Way intern Julia Pelletier. "I learned that my 95-year old grandma who lives down south was doing this for a hospital. I thought that was wonderful, and that people here could do the same." She brought up the idea at a staff Zoom meeting, and the endeavor was off and rolling.

Midstate Medical Center was contacted immediately endorsed the idea. They supplied a YouTube video of a suggested method people could use to construct a mask ( https://youtu.be/VgHrnS6n4iA ) but the need has so escalated and purchase of the materials so difficult that the United Way suggests that any of the several YouTube videos available would work for those that can provide materials they already have.

Associate Director Diana Reilly spoke of Pelletier's idea: "We have become a clearinghouse for many organizations who are in great need of so many different things. As soon as Julia mentioned the idea, we jumped at the chance to help organize the drive." Since its inception, the United Way has received calls from nursing homes, hospitals and even hotels where those that are homeless are being temporarily housed to insure separation from one another. "There are so many generous people in our community that are eager to help. This gives them a way to connect with those who need the masks that they're willing to make," added Reilly.

Those volunteering to help are asked to go on to the United Way Facebook (UnitedWayMW) page for directions, contact information and other information. Julia Pelletier, designer of the Facebook post who received a BA degree in Marketing from Southern Connecticut, added: "During these difficult times we have to look into our powerful community for love and support. Sew United is a great way for everyone to come together while many of us are at home to make face masks for those who need them to continue keeping the community safe and healthy."

Member News is provided as a service of the Midstate Chamber of Commerce and is also featured in the monthly "Chamber News" newsletter mailed to members.