In light of the COVID-19 crisis, we searched for ways to best serve the community that raised us and making PPE masks for those that need them most was an easy transition, but we need your help. 

With support from local do-gooders and business partners, Garden First Cannabis and Grapevine Outdoor, we are connecting with crafty folks both in Portland and nationwide to help assemble our DIY Facemask Kits to get PPE to first responders, essential workers, and vulnerable communities ASAP. We are also accepting monetary donations to offset production costs. (materials, shipping, and logistics)

But when it comes to donating to masks, we've experienced some misguidance in how to do so first-hand. So whether you're volunteering to sew masks with the Looptworks community or you're simply looking for tips on where to donate existing PPE, some of the ideas below may help.

In Portland? Donate to Central City Concern

It's no secret that PDX is a part of who we are. It's our home and our inspiration. Naturally, we're tapping into our neighbors and our biggest fans here to help scale our impact. 

For local volunteer masking sewing efforts, we’ve partnered with Central City Concern to help provide much-needed masks for Portland's high risk homeless population. Central City Concern is a non-profit providing healthcare, supportive housing, and workforce development for our homeless population as well as nurturing self-sufficiency in formerly incarcerated citizens and those fighting addiction. They are in need of 7,000 masks currently! 

That's where you come in. If you are in the Portland area (or if you want to mail in a large batch of finished masks), Central City Concern is a destination in need. 

You can drop masks off at the CCC Administration Building (232 NW 6th Avenue, Portland, OR 97209) M-F 8:00am-5:00pm. The gates will be closed (to prevent drop-in visitors), but there are instructions posted about how to be admitted.

or you can mail masks into: 

Outside of Portland? Check Online Pairing Resources    

Looking to donate masks without leaving your home? Mask Match can help pair you directly with people or groups in immediate need of protective masks. They will coordinate logistics and tracking to make the process as easy as possible.

FindtheMasks.com is similarly equipped to help connect you with hospitals, first responders, and other essential heroes who are still in need of protective wear! 

Check with Your State Health Department

If you’re unsure where to direct your efforts, check in with your state health department to see what their current needs are. New York governor Andrew Cuomo is asking companies with unused PPE supplies to contact his office directly. The State of Oregon is seeking PPE donations for distribution around the state. LCMC, which manages some of the large medical centers in Louisiana, is taking donations directly as their state sees an upswing in infected patients. 

Check in with Local Shelters, Community Centers, and Beyond    

As of April 3, the CDC recommended that the public wear face coverings when in public, especially in high-risk areas or populated areas. Low-income communities, grocers, delivery drivers, flight attendants, and more are struggling to access masks. Wherever you are located, checking in with your local essential workers and nonprofit organizations may provide clear outlets for donation. 

We'd love to see how you've been staying busy/craft lately! Be sure to share yours posts with #Looptmask.  

 Shop Looptworks Upcycled Face Masks