Crafty Members of our Community Unite to Sew Face Masks for Child Care.

Crafty YMCA leaders, members, and the community are rallying together to make hundreds of face masks for the children of first responders and essential workers due to the severe shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Our own Chief Operating Officer, Denise Lam, led the charge by harnessing her inner seamster talents by not only making 100 masks herself but by also sending out a call for help on social media. Lam’s request triggered an outpouring of support from the Y community.

Facebook group "Moms Making Masks & More for COVID" has made and donated close to 250 masks for the Y.

Retired Crystal Lake resident, Judy Wiedenfeld got involved after a friend told her about our Facebook post. She sewed more than 60 face masks over one weekend. "I’ve always had a soft heart for little kids so it is my pleasure to do this. I think it is absolutely wonderful what the Y is doing to help (essential) workers," said Wiedenfeld.

Similarly, Jeana Roberts, a part-time preschool teacher at the Sage YMCA made 30 masks for the Y. "Our resources are limited but we want to do whatever we can to help our community during these times," said Roberts.

Keeping our staff and children safe while in our care is our top priority and this wouldn’t be possible without our community member champions who are supporting us during this time. Thank you for your amazing skills and dedication!

If you or anyone you know need emergency child care services, please call Member Services at 773-905-5115 (M-F: 8 am -7 pm).