Social Service Group Producing Face Masks Amid Coronavirus Crisis

SKOKIE, IL — The Douglas Center, a social services organization in Skokie, has been manufacturing, has been in production of multi-layered fabric masks for over a week and has distributed hundreds to local residents, public health departments, local village employees, school district employees and group home staff local and statewide. The company also anticipates distributing thousands of masks while emergency orders initiated by the coronavirus pandemic are in place, according to a news release.

The Douglas Center, which helps adults with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities, has a number of sewing contracts. Officials decided to utilize this unique asset to produce face masks under Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization recommendations, according to the release. To maintain social distancing and other safety guidelines, sewers and staff were provided with enough material to work from home.

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But after the village of Skokie issued an emergency directive requiring the use of face coverings in certain public areas, Elizabeth Kristiansen, director of programs and services for the Douglas Center, said there has been a strong uptick in requests for masks.

For more information or to purchase a mask for $5, contact the Douglas Center at 312-857-5266, email Omar@theDouglasCenter.org or visit its website.

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