Boulder County Mask Project delivers more than 19,000 masks to high-risk community members

The Boulder County Mask Project has delivered 19,320 homemade cloth masks for marginalized, high-risk community members during the pandemic, according to a Tuesday news release. 

Through the project, which was created by county Volunteer Engagement and Donations Management staff, approximately 84 people created handmade masks for children, youth and adults that were distributed starting March 21, according to the release Staff prioritized distribution through an equity lens to ensure free masks were given to those who are at high-risk, could least afford them, or had difficulty sourcing masks, the release stated.

The Boulder County Mask Project, comprised of approximately 65 individuals and various small sewing groups from all over the county and as far away as Loveland and Greeley, has donated more than 6,420 hours, not including volunteer drive time, in delivering masks to police, schools, agencies, and non-profit organizations, according to the county. A handful of dedicated makers delivered more than 900 masks each. The estimated value of volunteer hours totals more than $189,611 per the www.Independentsector.org valuation of a Colorado volunteer time at $29.50 per hour, according to the release. The estimated value of supplies donated by residents and local Boulder fabric e-tailer www.eQuilter.com totals approximately $48,300 when calculating each mask at $2.50 market value, the county stated.

Among the local organizations that received masks through the project are: 

Aspen Center for Child Development

Back to Basics childcare center

The BellaVita School

Bragg About Place DayCare

Casa de la Esperanza

The Longmont Police Department

Community Cares LTD

Gateway Montessori School

Here We Grow Early Childhood Learning

Longs Peak Learning Center

The OUR Center

Primrose School of Longmont

St. Vrain Preschool Program

Sunset Academy

TLC Learning Center 

Wild Plum Center

YMCA Inspire Preschool