Two local volunteer groups are working together to provide personal protective masks for residents.

The Okotoks Optimist Club is currently running a fabric drive to collect materials for Masked Mamas, a group dedicated to creating free face masks for Foothills residents.

Tammy Self, who's a founding member of the Okotoks Optimist Club and a member of Masked mamas says she felt it was a perfect opportunity for the groups to work together.

"It came to me that possibly the Okotoks Optimists could help out by doing a fabric drive, it was a perfect for for both groups, so that's how it started."

Most 100% cotton fabrics are accepted, including old sheets and light denim. Springy fabrics are also being used, with t-shirts often utilized for the elasticated straps on the masks.

Self says the drive will likely come in handy for residents looking to donate some older clothes, with thrift stores and clothing donation bins not currently accepting donations.

She says residents are already responding well.

"We've had a fairly good response already, but it would be good to get more fabric donated, because there's still a need in the community, there are still front line workers who aren't able or haven't been provided the masks. It has been a great response for the little bit of time we've been doing it."

Anyone interested in donating fabric is asked to contact the Masked Mamas or Okotoks Optimist Club Facebook pages.

For those wishing to make a monetary donation, Self says residents are encouraged simply donate to a local charity of their choice.

 

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