How to make a mask

As so much around us is changing by the day, we are comforted knowing that people’s desire to help Children’s Wisconsin hasn’t wavered. We have received many requests from people throughout the community looking to both donate and make personal protective equipment (PPE).

Our PPE supply situation changes frequently and normal supply continues to be disrupted. Thank you for helping us provide PPE to our health care workers and families. 

Resources

• Direction: How to make a hospital mask

• Mask template
  
  
• Video tutorial 

Material list

• (2) 7 ½” x 7 ½” 100% cotton squares (pillow case or 100% cotton quilting material with high thread count)
  • If you do not have 100% cotton squares, you may also use a cotton tea/dish towel with a high thread count or a cotton or poly cotton t-shirt material
    
    
• (2) Elastic hair ties, make 1 cut in each to make (2) 6-7” lengths of covered elastic OR very thin 1/8” to ¼” elastic also works
  
  
• 5 ½” length of florist wire. Other wire options include:
  • Plastic twist ties
  • Beading wire
  • Pipe cleaners

Please note: The hospital will insert filters after masks are provided.

Important reminders

• Do not make masks for donation if there is anyone in your home who:
  • Smokes
  • Has tested positive for COVID-19
  • Has any symptoms of any respiratory illness
    
    
• Please prewash fabric, wash your hands and work in a clean environment.
  
  
• Work with the supplies you have at home.
  • If you do not have elastic options, you can drop off the masks without elastic and the hospital will add elastic and the filters for the pocket.
  • The hospital is in need of large, thin, metal-free elastic hair ties that are 6” long (pony tail rubber bands with covering).
    
    
• Please do not try the masks on.

Donations

To drop off donations at both our Milwaukee and Fox Valley hospital locations, please schedule an appointment by emailing us at covid19donation@chw.org.

Items can also be shipped to:

Children's Wisconsin Volunteer Services
999 N. 92nd St.,
Suite C115
Wauwatosa, WI 53226

or

Neenah Corporate Center
ATTN: George Davis
333 N. Commercial St.,
Suite 400
Neenah, WI 54956

Chris Casey, OTR Occupational Therapist Children's Wisconsin

Our high standard of care has always required an uncompromising approach to safety. And during this COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to ensure every visit, appointment, procedure and surgery offered across all our Children's Wisconsin locations is safe. Learn more on our COVID-19 web page.