Greater NYC DAR Chapters Donate Nearly 500 Masks to 4 NY Counties

The Ketewamoke Chapter (Huntington, NY) and Polly Cooper Chapter (Chappaqua, NY) of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) are lending a helping hand to healthcare and other essential workers on the front lines of the pandemic, ensuring that New York County, Suffolk County, Westchester County, and Dutchess County’s residents and facilities have more protective wear resources to face the threat of the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. Members responded to the medical mask shortage by hand-sewing masks to donate to local essential workers in the most need.

As of today, the Ketewamoke and Polly Cooper Chapters have sewn and donated close to 500 masks to Montefiore Medical Center (Bronx), St. John’s Riverside (Yonkers), Northern Westchester Hospital (Mount Kisco), Calgary Hospital (Bronx), St. Catherine’s Hospital (Smithtown), Taconic Correctional Facility (Bedford Hills), and the Division of Central Services (Dutchess County).

"DAR members all over the country have worked tirelessly, not just making masks, but sourcing the hard to find materials needed to make them. The impact that a chapter can make is incredible, and that impact is magnified when chapters work together,” said Sarah O’Connor, Chapter Regent of the Ketewamoke Chapter. “I am grateful that we were able to work quickly to address this need, and we will continue to provide support."

“As the demand for face masks grew substantially over the last few weeks, we realized we would be unable to fulfill the urgent need on our own. We are appreciative of the combined efforts of the Ketewamoke and Polly Cooper Chapter members to ensure we could satisfy the requests of the healthcare and essential workers on the frontlines of this pandemic,” said Kari Weis, Honorary Chapter Regent of Polly Cooper Chapter.

"It has been inspiring to witness the global collaboration and coordination among DAR members, who early on recognized the urgent need for masks in their communities. Helping those working at medical facilities in New York, where the number of COVID-19 infections is staggering, drives us to do more. Every mask makes a difference," said Kathy Schrieber, Chapter Regent of the Polly Cooper Chapter.

Nationwide, DAR chapters from all 50 states have been participating in the organization’s Service to America From Home initiative with more than 273,000 masks already being donated and tens of thousands more produced every day to be distributed in local communities.

"I am exceptionally proud of what DAR members are accomplishing as part of a proud tradition of service that dates to our 1890 founding,” said Denise Doring VanBuren, DAR President General. “In difficult times like these, we know that it is not the emergency that defines us, but how we respond to it.”

For DAR membership inquiries and other questions about the Ketewamoke Chapter in Huntington, NY, contact ketewamokechapter@gmail.com. For DAR membership inquiries and other questions about the Polly Cooper Chapter in Chappaqua, NY, contact info@pollycooperdar.org. To learn more about DAR visit www.dar.org.