Chicago Citywide Cloth Mask Drive
Through the citywide drive, residents can make and donate homemade cloth masks that will be provided to homeless shelters, community health clinics, essential public sector workers, and other organizations to prevent outbreaks among the City’s most high-risk residents, which data has shown to be vulnerable residents on Chicago’s South and West Side communities.
Some of the things to remember - but by no means all - are to:
Wash your hands before starting and do it frequently throughout the process.
Wash and dry the fabric first so it’s pre-shrunk and clean.
Use three layers of fabric. The ones on the inside and outside should be tightly woven cotton; the layer in the middle will preferably be a non-woven fabric.
Bring the masks to drop-off points in tightly closed, clean boxes or bags that won't open if they're tossed into and out of a bin. Wear gloves and a mask when you do so.
Label the number of masks in each container with clear, large markings that won't fall off.
You can also use these drop-off sites to donate disposable masks if they are in their own packaging.
Completed masks should be placed in a clear, sealable plastic bag. When residents are dropping off the masks, they must put them in tightly closed, clean boxes or bags while wearing gloves and a mask. Residents should indicate the quantity they will be donating.