When Covid-19 became big news, local seamstress Debbie Chanson became aware that hospitals needed masks by a request made on Facebook. She reached out and was provided with a pattern and began making masks at no charge for EMS, Firefighters, Doctors, and Medical staff. Since that time, Debbie Chanson has made over 750 masks, with the goal of making 2,000.
Chanson believes that her sewing ability is a God-given skill, one she’s using during this crisis to give back to others. “I don’t like charging for a talent God has given me,” Chanson humbly explained. If recipients of her masks are motivated to give her a donation, Chanson invests it back into mask-making supplies and material, which enables her to donate more masks to others. She uses 100% cotton fabric, ¼” elastic, or elastic hair ties to make each mask.
She explained that relatives and friends who knew of Chanson’s skills as a seamstress initially requested masks. (She operates Final Stitch Alterations out of her home in Garrettsville.) Since beginning her mask-making project roughly three weeks ago, she’s sent masks to facilities across Ohio. She noted that she’s currently filling a request from a friend at the Cleveland Clinic. She’s also sent them to Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, and Washington State. She noted that doctors, dental offices, veterinarians, and pharmacies have been very grateful. “It feels good giving back and helping,” she noted. “When you give from your heart, it comes back 10-fold,” she explained. “God’s been very good to us.”
This self-described average mom and grandma enlisted her husband to help with the process. She joked it was a great way to keep busy and avoid arguments with her husband while sheltering at home. The couple has lived in Garrettsville for 25 years, where they raised their daughter and son. Their daughter and her family now live in Pennsylvania, while their son’s family live in the state of Delaware. The couple has four granddaughters.
In seriousness, she explained that while she does all the sewing, the project is truly a team effort. She’s had help from her husband, granddaughters, and friends who have helped to procure materials, iron and cut fabric, and cut elastic to free up her time for sewing. “So many people have helped,” she marveled.
She notes that while the virus may seems overwhelming at times, “by making masks, we’re helping one person at a time, keeping people safe.” She noted, “And you can’t put a price on someone’s health.”
Meanwhile, she notes the positive side of the situation, and notes that sheltering at home has given people the chance to “get back to family, slow down, and appreciate what you have.” She noted, “God has a plan — this is only temporary.” She added, “We’ll get through it together.”
Contact Chanson at (330) 842-2625 to find out how you can help.
