[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The global demand for masks has created a severe shortage across the world, but communities are coming together now more than ever to help each other through this pandemic.

The Exchange Club of Pompano Beach has begun making fabric masks to use as protection against COVID-19. The club has assembled material, instructions and patterns to sew the masks. Additionally, they have acquired sewing machines which will be loaned to volunteers. Initially the masks will be distributed to charities the club supports which need the masks for patients and medical staff. You can help by making a financial donation to support their COVID-19 response, including obtaining and producing protective gear for the community. Click here to make a donation.[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”10044,10050,10051″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]Charities the Exchange Club is Supporting 

Woodhouse, located in Pompano Beach, operates as a co-ed residential facility for adults with intellectual disabilities coupled with extreme medical or behavioral challenges. Woodhouse currently has 20 full-time residents all with compromised immune systems, so the staff are required to wear masks at every moment once they enter the facility in order to protect the fragile residents.

The staff have been rationed to receiving one new disposable surgical mask per week since the supply is dwindling fast. Having a cloth mask that they can take home and wash themselves will be a great help to them and hopefully protect the residents from harm.” said Randall Bishop, the CEO of Woodhouse. 

The second charity the club is supporting at this time is the Children’s Healing Institute. Based out of West Palm Beach, the Institute is the leading source for child abuse prevention and family crisis management expertise in South Florida. The staff are still going out to visit the families, but they are meeting outside and bringing their own folding chair to manage the social distancing.

“During times of crisis, the rate of child abuse and domestic violence go up significantly that is why we have increased our visits and are supplying the families with needed supplies. Our families with a preemie in the NICU are having even more difficulty, making visitation challenging to say the least. Again, thank you for thinking about us.”, said Susan Santosus, COO at the Children’s Healing Institute. 

The fabric masks will serve to prolong the life of the N-95 respirators and disposable masks. They can be washed and worn again. Last week the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an updated set of guidelines on wearing face coverings in public. They have advised the use of a simple cloth face covering or mask to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.

If you have your own sewing machine, or would be willing to sew on one of the club’s machines, please contact the club via email at pbexclub@gmail.com.  The COVID-19 outbreak is affecting all of us and the need for community is more essential than ever before. We are all in this together.

If you know how to sew or are able to donate, please reach out to the Exchange Club of Pompano Beach to help save a life. And please — stay safe everyone.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”10055,10056″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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This post was prepared by staff at Point! Publishing. For inquiries call 954-603-4553.

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