Highlighting philanthropy: The marvelous mask makers!

Written by SAFE

When COVID hit and we learned that facemasks were the primary way to combat the virus, the need for hand-sewn masks became a top priority. Like many other organizations, we were grappling to source supplies, so we turned to our community for help. And to no surprise, y’all stepped up big time.

Early on in the pandemic, SAFE volunteer and donor Pamela Smith started sewing masks for friends and family. But Pamela and her husband Mark knew that SAFE would be hit hard by the need for masks as well. They wanted to do what they could to help on behalf of their business, Americraft.

Pamela and Mark surprised us by printing custom facemasks with the SAFE logo and delivering them to help protect our staff and clients. Inspired by Pamela’s grandmother, who is a survivor, Pamela and Mark are dedicated to creating positive change in their community. These masks are so special and thoughtful, and we are deeply grateful to Pamela, Mark, and Americraft for going above and beyond to support our work.

Many local businesses and organizations also stepped up and pivoted their entire business models to help fight the pandemic. From liquor distilleries making hand sanitizer, to custom designers pivoting to mask-making.

Chris Gomez of Kaiju Cut and Sew creates leather and fabric wares, such as wallets, tote bags, Dopp kits, fanny packs, and more. But with COVID, Chris knew he needed to do what he could to support his community, so he started making fabric masks and donating profits to a local charity each week, including SAFE.

So far, Kaiju Cut and Sew has donated over $20,000 to local nonprofits from his proceeds. Thank you Chris for stepping up and serving your community in such a meaningful way!

Our heartfelt thanks goes out to each and every individual, organization, and corporation who made masks out of t-shirts, sewed fabric masks by hand, and delivered PPE and supplies to keep our clients and staff safe!

Thanks to: Donna Mezera, Caroline Verner at Public-Use Health, Al Haskett at Mask Boyz, Austin Public Health, Med Supply Drive Central Texas, Procure Hope, Texas Network of Youth Services, Dell Medical School, Take Heart Masks, Preacher, Masks for Docs, Harmony Public Schools, Native Hostel, Ethel Harvey, Jessica Bonham, Ubuntu Life Foundation, Girl Scout Robotics Team 2881, Dessert Door Distillery, Ascension Texas Administrative Office, Good Party ATX, Asian American Pacific Islander Public Affairs Organization, Pamela and Mark Smith, Chris Gomez and Kaiju Cut and Sew, The Korean Catholic Community of Houston, and KSGA Volunteers.