Ballard Student Sewing, Donating Masks

Masks Going to JCPS Clothing Program 

For Ballard High School junior class president Maren Raymond, sewing has become a new love. That’s good news for other Jefferson County Public Schools students. Raymond is sewing dozens of face masks and donating them to JCPS’ Clothing Assistance Program (CAP) which provides free uniforms and clothes to students and families struggling to afford them.

Maren posing next to her sewing machine
Raymond, who learned to sew in March, has sewn and donated more than 100 COVID-fighting masks so far with another batch on the way by early 2021.

“I spend all of my time either doing school work or sewing” she joked. “I love it.”

Now, each family who gets clothes from CAP also gets a “Maren mask” according to coordinator Justin Willis.

"I'm so impressed that when the world gave this bright girl a pandemic she responded with creativity, ingenuity, and productivity—making masks for students whom she doesn't know but obviously cares about” Willis said.

The 16-year-old says she believes in giving back to the community and is glad her sewing can contribute in the form of masks. “It’s just nice to know it’s going to people my age and in my community who are in need” she said. “It’s a great feeling.”

Picture of new face masks