The Texarkana Circle of Friends Chapter continues to make masks for Arkansas Children's Hospital patients and their families.
The Arkansas Children's Foundation started the mask drive a few months ago to provide patients, their families and visitors masks to help fight COVID-19.
"We will continue to collect masks as long as there is a need," said Linda Willis, of the Texarkana Chapter of Circle of Friends.
Circle of Friends is a statewide organization of volunteers who help the efforts of Arkansas Children's.
The Texarkana Chapter has collected 571 masks and more than 300 were made by one person, local woman Tricia Jones.
"We have had two ladies in particular who have made a lot of masks. One is a seamstress and she has done about 50 masks every week," Willis said.
Jones has been a seamstress since she was 13 and started making masks for people in her church after COVID-19 hit. Then someone told her about the need for masks at Arkansas Children's.
"I enjoy making the masks for children, I like using the cartoon fabrics," Jones said.
It typically takes her 20 to 25 minutes to make one mask.
The Foundation is asking for handmade masks with a few requirements:
Mask sizes: ages 2 years old to adult. Material should be kid-savvy or solid color cloth, breathable cotton (no denim or fleece).
Mask should include ear loops with elastic.
The masks will be laundered prior to distribution.
Donors are welcome to mail their masks directly to Arkansas Children's or the Texarkana Circle of Friends chapter, can help with shipping.
Masks can be mailed to:
Arkansas Children's Volunteer Engagement
ATTN: Mask Donation
1 Children's Way, Slot 108
Little Rock, AR 72202
Please mention the Texarkana Chapter of Circle of Friends with your donation and include your name, phone and email with the masks.