With a shortage of protective gear for health care workers across the country and in the Capital Region, the community is stepping up. Now, one family is spreading some kindness one stitch at a time.

The sounds of the sewing machines fill the McCann home in Albany. It’s a longtime hobby for Kerri McCann, who says she’s been sewing for more than 20 years.

“My mom used to sew when I was young, so I would watch her and help out,” Kerri explained.

The skill was then passed on to the next generation, to her daughter Macy. Kerri made all of her daughter's dance costumes throughout the years, and even donated her skills to the community theatre programs.

“She always helps make other people’s costumes at the studio, so I guess she always kind of helps the community with her sewing,” Macy said.

However, with some extra material on hand, Kerri knew she could help when the coronavirus hit the Capital Region. She said he had requests for masks.

“When someone in my family called me and said they needed masks: ‘You sew, would you be able to sew me a mask? ‘Would you be able to sew some for my whole unit?’ And then another friend reached out,” explained Kerri.

From there, the requests grew. Together, the mother-daughter duo created more than 150 masks by hand.

“We feel joy when we are helping others. I think a lot of people feel that way. We’re able to spread a little joy and get that joy back in giving,” said the McCanns.

The masks were made from whatever they have had at home, as the family has been practicing social distancing for nearly two weeks. They found extra material and even had to use extra elastic saved up from Macy’s dance gear.

“When we first bought it, I thought, that’s a lot of pointe shoe elastic, but now we’re using it for masks!” said Macy.

Donations began pouring in from others around the area as the McCanns began reaching out on social media. They have received materials and pre-sewn masks from others donating their time and skills. 

Businesses even began reaching out, like the Animal House in Cohoes. The groomer has donated a large supply of pre-cut material to the McCann duo. The fabric is usually utilized for the animal bananas, but the owner thought the material would be better served in masks, while the shop is closed due to the pandemic.

However, most hospitals in the area are not accepting cloth mask donations to their facilities. Albany Medical Center reiterated that point at a press conference on Tuesday.

But, the duo said the masks can help other health care workers. They said their donations have gone to workers in settings like general practitioners' offices, nursing homes, and the VA hospital — a place close to the military family’s heart.

“If this makes someone feel more comfortable, confident, and safe, and can add that extra barrier, then that’s why we want to help,” added the McCanns.

The family is looking to connect with anyone willing to help their cause. They are looking for anyone willing to donate supplies, their sewing skills, or for delivery for donations. They say the Facebook page can also be used for anyone looking for a mask. To learn more, click this link.