4-H members and volunteers sew face masks

April 20, 2020

Marmian Grimes

Alaska 4-H members and volunteers are sewing face masks and donating them to organizations and individuals who need them.

Taylor Hasting, a UAF student and 4-H volunteer, sews face masks.
Taylor Hasting, a UAF student and 4-H volunteer, sews face masks.


Candi Dierenfield, the interim 4-H and youth development state program leader,  says that 343 have been donated so far. Participating districts and communities include Tanana District in Fairbanks, Kodiak, Kenai Peninsula and Dillingham. Sitka is preparing kits for families to pick up, sew and distribute.

Tanana District 4-H members donated their masks to the Fairbanks Community Food Bank, Fairbanks Youth Facility, the Nenana Fire Department, Eielson Air Force Base, the North Pole Fire Department and other individuals. The Fairbanks Community Food Bank posted photos on Facebook of recipients wearing masks.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing a face mask in settings where staying 6 feet away from others is difficult, such as grocery stores or public transportation.