A little over a year ago our lives changed. We knew nothing about covid and as a country we weren't prepared. We started Masks for the Frontline Iowa because there was a mask shortage and we all have a skill that can save lives.

It started with this Facebook group and grew into a community. We were shocked and humbled to see so many people step up - sewists, drivers, funders, sewing shops, cutting assistants and more. Everyone wanted to help however they could. Incredible!!

In one year, you've sewn and delivered 192,434 masks for over 600 organizations in over 100 towns across Iowa.

Thank you. You have given hope in scary times.

Our leadership team has made the decision to stop taking in new orders. The behind the scenes process is daunting and after a year we're ready to take a break. Plus, masks that have more protection than cloth masks are readily available and inexpensive. We are going to shut down the order form and update the website/Facebook instructions. We'll need help closing out a few of the existing orders.

This does not mean this group is over. We've built a community and we hope we can continue it. We encourage everyone to self-organize if you find an organization that needs masks. Everyone is so generous that I'm confident that people will help.

Also, we have A LOT of expert sewists and people who just learned how to sew for the first time. Let's keep sewing! This can be a place to share our "for fun" sewing projects so we can rekindle the art of sewing and hone our skills.

We also want to say that we still believe covid and the possibility of a variant is very real. We encourage everyone to get vaccinated and to keep wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces. It's better to be safe than sorry.

In moments of uncertainty, some people rise to the occasion - the helpers. Helpers are selfless, generous, caring and brave. Every single one of you are the helpers. You have saved lives with every stitch, and we are forever thankful.

A call was put out to join an undertaking of love to protect lives. You answered it.

From all of us on the leadership team - we cannot thank you enough.

Jess, Shelly, Vyada, Emma, Laura, Lindsey, Lizzie, Marsha