Many within the community have been asking members of the DeKalb County Health Department how they can be of help with the COVID-19 response effort.

In a release from the health department on Monday, like many, they are in need of cloth face masks for the healthcare workers and first responders in the area.

One group, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), which is part of Catholic Charities and the Homemakers Club working under the Purdue Extension, are partnering to provide kits to area residents to sew masks. If interested in picking up a kit (20 masks) or would like a mask pattern, call Catholic Charities.

These groups are currently in need of some supplies to furnish the kits. They need 1/8” – ¼” elastic, ½” twill tape, biased tape, and sewing thread. If you would like to donate these items they can be dropped off at Catholic Charities. Various types of mask patterns are also available on line. If you choose to use your own pattern and supplies, we ask that you use prewashed fabric. Some masks call for elastic and it is currently in short supply. If you choose to make tie masks, keep in mind that the ties are generally 18 inches long.

All finished masks are to be dropped off at Catholic Charities, located at 107 West 5th Street in Auburn, Monday through Thursday 8 am to 4 pm.

Those who drop masks off are being asked to please call ahead to 260-925-0917 to make sure of the availability of supplies or to get additional directives.