IATSE Local 764 Is Creating PPE

These are scary times for all of us and it makes me think of my favorite Fred Rogers quote. “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” To that end, our union brothers and sisters are helping in a very big way. IATSE Local 764 is creating PPE (Personal Protection Equipment.)

Photo: Allen Ryde

IATSE Local 764 Is Creating PPE: Mobilization

With Broadway, film and TV productions all shut down, most of the local is out of work. However, the word went out to fellow union members identifying a critical need during the COVID-19 health crisis that they could help fill: masks.

Last week, Governor Andrew Cuomo asked individuals and businesses to help hospitals facing shortages of N95 masks and other protective equipment. Local 764 Union leaders began mobilizing members who could sew masks at home to fill this critical shortage.

IATSE Local 764 Is Creating PPE: Urban Resource Institute

Local 764’s. official masks project is through the Urban Resource Institute.   Over 30 members have signed up to make masks for their network of Domestic violence centers.

The Urban Resource Institute is the largest domestic violence shelter network in the country, right here in our backyard. COVID-19 has affected this city in more ways than can be counted.  To ensure that the health and safety populations are intact. Urban Resource Institute has an immediate need for cloth masks for their staff and residents to keep them safe and healthy while continuing to provide shelter to some of New York’s most vulnerable populations.

The following is from their website:

• Why cloth masks? A supply N95 masks from manufacturers in the Midwest will take a week or longer to arrive, and the need is immediate. They have asked for help from Local 764’s members with the creation of a minimum of 1,200 masks made out of 100% cotton.
• Selected Pattern:  Urban Resource Institute will give you their selected pattern and directions on their website.
• Materials: Urban Resource Institute has spent the weekend creating kits to distribute across the city volunteers. To organize a drop off, fill out this quick survey: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=AAqiixUzEU6Nno7aJXjPskz02MKNLadMsJV4bXRnDNZUNlhMVDlBTDRJSElHMTEyMkwxOEFFUEtORy4u.
• Prefer a pickup? Email thenewyorksewingcenter@gmail.combin Brooklyn to coordinate.
• Want to use your own supplies? No problem! You will need: Needle and thread, cotton cloth, Elastic, cloth/fabric ties or new shoelaces (14 inches), pipe cleaners, coated paper clips or wire hangers(s), scissors.
• Masks will be washed before use, keep all necessary COVID-19 precautions! Masks should be stored in an airtight clean container or ziplock bag once complete. From Urban Resource Institute: Feel free to write a personal uplifting note on your ziplock to inspire families in need.
• When you are finished and ready to distribute: Let us know by filling out this form: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=AAqiixUzEU6Nno7aJXjPskz02MKNLadMsJV4bXRnDNZUQkhaTDlaQlBCU0ZRMDk5Rkw0Q1RRVkZHOS4u and notifying Kristen Clonan and Stephanie Rivera at MarComm@urinyc.org. We will organize a pickup.

IATSE Local 764 Is Creating PPE: Sew The Curve Flat

Local 764 members have also come together with non-union tailors to create Sew the. Curve Flat.  A website and a Facebook group that connects volunteer mask-makers nationwide with communities in need of protective equipment

Photos courtesy of Sew The Curve Flat Facebook Group

Kathleen McDonough, is helping to oversee Sew the Curve Flat’s operations emphasized the importance of providing specific guidelines for the correct patterns and fabrics to use when making masks for different recipients. Though they originally intended to make just surgical masks, the project has since pivoted to focus on helping fulfill the need for the 10 million surgical gowns the city government requested early last week.

If you are interested in helping you can click on this link to a form. Fill it out and someone will get back to you with instructions and direction as to how your talents can be put to use to help all of us.

We want to thank our friends and customers in IATSE Local 764.  MWS, as well as the rest of New York, extends our deepest gratitude to all those spending their time and energy int helping this effort.

MWS remains open as an online e-Commerce store. We are restocking elastic, thread and other items you may need. As always we are very thankful for your continued business.

Want to share how 764 is supporting URI on social media?  Tag @URI_NYC with #764strong