Here in Vermont, Spring is just starting to show. After a long, dark, and colorless winter, the sight of budding flowers and sprouting leaves feels almost impossible. But each year, as it always has, Spring returns to remind us that brighter times lie ahead.

Even after two years of a pandemic, it’s impossible to know what comes next. Yet it’s hard not to feel that we’re entering a new phase—one that, despite all the challenges facing the world, might feel a little more like “normal.” Although the Omicron BA.2 variant has overtaken BA.1 as the dominant strain in the US, now constituting 72% of cases, boosters have been shown to be effective against the BA.2 variant. And though we must continue to advocate for those who can safely get vaccines to do so, 77% of the US population is now vaccinated. Masks continue to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, but medical experts are finding increasing consensus in the view that mask recommendations can be eased provided sufficiently low hospitalization rates.

We cannot afford to let up our guard, nor can we reasonably conclude that the tides won’t turn against us once more in the fight against the pandemic. But perhaps we can begin to look forward with cautious optimism to a return to something more like life as we knew it before the pandemic. Perhaps we can even take a moment to “smell the flowers.”

With that in mind, we wanted to take a moment to do so ourselves, by reflecting on some of the extraordinary results our network of nonprofit partners has achieved.

• With our March donation of another 13,000 masks to the Vermont Foodbank, we’ve brought our total count of masks distributed to 123,000!

• Over 100 nonprofits have now participated in our program, and we thank each and every one of them for not just their support of Masks4Missions, but their unwavering commitment to the life-changing missions they serve.

• We’re continuing to evaluate our supply chain in light of the CDC’s guidance on N95/KN95 masks, but in the meantime, we’ve hit a major milestone by selling out all inventory on our store!

Reflecting on our months of shared work alongside our nonprofit partners these past months, we want to reiterate our unending thanks. While we don’t know what awaits us ahead, we are both grateful to all we’ve crossed paths with along the way and hopeful for brighter times together ahead!

We hope this update finds all in the Masks4Missions family happy, healthy, and hopeful as we cautiously look to brighter prospects for the remainder of 2022!

A lot is new in the COVID landscape and at Masks4Missions since our last post, and while the light at the end of the tunnel feels near, we can’t let down our guard!

• Omicron cases nationally have declined more than 80%+ from their peak. Nevertheless, it’s important as ever that we remain vigilant and responsive to rapidly changing conditions and continue to get vaccinated, especially with concerning developments like the BA.2 subvariant. So, if you haven’t gotten vaccinated yet, there’s no better time than now!

• Pfizer’s new antiviral medication for COVID, Paxlovid, has become more available on shelves across the country as COVID cases drop. This could be a game-changing tool in the fight against severe illness from COVID—particularly for those who have not been able to get vaccinated due to underlying health conditions.

• The FDA has pushed back the authorization announcement for vaccines for infants and toddlers, in order to allow for evaluation of data on three doses rather than merely two. The three dose data isn’t expected until April at the earliest, which comes as hard news to countless parents of young children across the country.

• The CDC have issued new mask guidance strongly recommending the use of properly fit N95/KN95 masks rather than cloth masks, which provide substantially less protection. Masks4Missions continues as always to follow the most up-to-date CDC guidance on mask compliance and encourage all of our friends and partners to do so as well.

• Our webstore is sold out! Further information about potential restocking will be provided in the weeks to come. For the time being, we encourage all to make sure to procure N95/KN95 masks if they haven’t already. If you’re looking for a way to spread the message of your favorite nonprofit as safely as possible and already have a nonprofit-branded cloth mask, consider wearing it over an N95/KN95!

• Masks4Missions has donated another 12,000+ masks to the Vermont Foodbank! This builds on prior donations to the Vermont Foodbank in celebration of the one year anniversary of Vermont Mask Day. It also brings us full circle once more, as we return to serving our local Vermont community after our national expansion to all 50 states.

• Speaking of full circle, Masks4Missions is honored to have been invited to chair the COVID-19 Response & Human Resources Awards Judging Committee of our 2022 American Business Awards! After we and our nonprofit partner network were recognized by the American Business Awards last year, we’re humbled to be included once more for the 20th Annual ABA Stevies awards!

As always, we remain thankful to everyone who has joined us in the fight against COVID, whether as a partner, friend, or fellow community member. We’re in this together!

Sincerely,

The Masks4Missions team

As we look to a new year ahead in 2022, we also stay mindful of the efforts made by our dear loved ones, friends, family, as well as the ongoing response and efforts made by so many to combat COVID-19.

I have so many hopes for the future. I share so many dreams with others that we will see a new day where the pandemic will be the furthest thing from our minds. Until then, we have to continue to do our part to keep one another safe and make sure that we can see this hopeful future become a reality.

As I reflect on this past year, I’ve seen the pain and suffering that so many have been burdened by because of the pandemic. What has ultimately kept me going has been bearing witness to the collective efforts of so many incredibly compassionate human beings. Their strength and positive energy has been so powerful, that I have so many high hopes for our future and for the state of the world.

I hope we never have to go through something like this again. There’s no doubt that the effects from this pandemic will remain fervent for a while, but it will not outlast the love and affection that people have shown for one another, even in the worst of times. In some ways the pandemic has helped shed a light on showing how truly incredible people can be when they come together. At Masks4Missions, I have been amazed to see the commitment and dedication from so many people, who wish to help our future and make each day better than the one before.

A new year reminds us that we can reset. We can reshape our focus and use this time to heal and help one another. A new year is a new opportunity to be a part of the solution to the problem. A new year is a new beginning. We will see this through, for all of the hardships endured by humanity, we are still here today. We still stand strong. We live to fight another day.

I encourage each and every person to continue to adhere to the CDC’s most recent guidelines and, when possible, to get tested and wear your mask. A new year presents a lot of new opportunities, but we are far from this pandemic being completely over. Many of us have lost someone dear to us, or witnessed a tragic loss of someone near to us. We will not give up hope, we will not give up trying to do our part to keep everyone healthy and safe.

Wishing all of you the very best in health and spirits for the holidays!

Be Safe. Mask On.

Happy New Year!

Around this time of year, I often find my thoughts drifting towards family and community. After weighing our options, we all decided it would be better to wait instead of putting the most vulnerable members in our family at risk. And though it's been difficult not be as close as I’d like to be with some of these remarkable human beings, I can take solace in knowing that they’re safe these holidays.

According to Monmouth University’s poll, two-thirds of Americans are planning to celebrate with about as many people as they did before the pandemic. This statistic partly indicates how far we’ve come with the availability of vaccinations, which is something well worth celebrating. But it also indicates that we need to continue to practice vigilance when we do meet in person, whether that comes in the form of social distancing or just masking up while indoors.

For those we love and who we are nearest and dearest to, the holidays can be an opportunity to be thankful for our health and wellness. What’s going to keep our health steady is wearing a mask, social distancing, but also having the understanding that the pandemic is not completely over.

No family should have to suffer the loss of a loved one to Covid-19 complications. Every family deserves to feel safe, cared for, and part of that comes the responsibility of knowing whether large groups meeting together is the best idea. For some it is, and for others it isn’t.

Please stay safe during this time. I am thankful to know so many are continuing to wear their mask, continuing to stay up to date on CDC Guidelines, and doing their part to keep their communities and families safe.

It’s that time of year again! After eighteen months of classroom closures, we are back to school!

It’s time for school to start, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyable AND safe! As classes return in certain areas there are many important steps that can be taken to ensure the safety and wellness of others.

WEAR A MASK! (Please)

Masks are going to help us all fight this pandemic. Whether taking classes online or going back in person, whoever we come into contact with, we should always be wearing our masks.

Of course, it’s natural as a student not to want to wear a mask all day in class. So, that makes it all the more important for the rest of us to encourage and support those young people in wearing their masks in school. To all who have been students during these trying times, we are amazed by your dedication to learning, your resilience to whatever life throws your way. There’s no doubt that your generation will be well-equipped to face the challenges that may come ahead in the future.

I’d also really like to take this opportunity to thank all educators and teachers. The amount of willpower and passion they have shown in making sure that their students could receive the necessary training, while having to redo entire curriculums and methods, is a reflection of the commitment and dedication that these educators have to their work. We owe a debt of gratitude for their strength and selflessness to push forward in spite of all the obstacles that have been placed before them.

If you are going back to school, we implore you do continue to do your part to combat Covid-19. While you continue to learn and accrue knowledge, this is a great opportunity to help educate those closest to you about the importance of wearing a mask and keeping each other safe!

Stay safe and mask on!

Despite all the loss and despair that the pandemic has brought on, it has also driven impressive response from people all around the world.

Entrepreneurs focused on achieving impact in the social sector, in particular, have shown what an important role they play in supporting society during times of hardship. From Greta Thunberg’s tireless advocacy for vaccine equity to the World Economic Forum’s COVID Response Alliance for Social Entrepreneurs, it’s clear that whether you’re a single person or a global network, there’s enormous good you can do in the world.

Though Masks4Missions is only a small organization, it’s been so meaningful to see what we could achieve in our neck of the woods through close partnerships with local nonprofits, the tireless efforts of our volunteers, and a little bit of entrepreneurial spirit. When Masks4Missions was launched in August 2020, we could hardly have imagined that—one year later—we’d have distributed over 100,000 masks to those in need in partnership with nearly 100 nonprofits. In some ways the pandemic can really bring us down and set us back. In other ways it’s a chance to see what we’re capable of, in spite of all the hardship.

The human spirit has been alive and well during this time. With so much to feel frustrated about, I’ve been so grateful to see these amazing human being fuel that frustration and turn it into something that alleviates so many burdens, fosters inclusion, empowers others, and makes the world a better place!

I encourage you to not only get to know more about us, but also about our amazing partners. It’s a team effort and we hope to see what you can do to be the positive change for the future!

As Americans, we continue to stand together to help curb the effects of Covid-19. We unite in our masks and put aside our differences to come together during these extraordinary times.

There is no denying the struggle that so many face each day due to the pandemic. The amount of loss and hardships that many have faced is immeasurable. In many ways, the despair and tragedy seems almost too much to bear.

We are all given the opportunity to make choices. We have all had to make incredible efforts and many have done so without thanks or praise. This is our time as Americans to make the right choice. If we all do our part to socially distance, wear our masks, and stay up to date with the CDC’s recommendations, we will see better days ahead.

In a world of uncertainty, dilemmas, and confusion, I also like to think of this time as a blank canvas., or even a fresh start. Like many others, I don’t want to wear a mask forever. We complain that it’s itchy, gets in the way—the list goes on. However, that is a very small price to pay to know that I can continue to keep myself and others safe from harm. As Americans, we value our safety, lives, and ability to enjoy our freedoms. Like so many who’ve fought for our country, they’ve also had to make numerous sacrifices to keep us safe.

Our masks symbolize our strength and commitment to preventing tragedies, harm, and loss. The mask isn’t just about ourselves, it’s about all of America, and the rest of the world! As Americans, we aspire to be leaders on the world stage, and that means being leaders in keeping each other safe and protected. Wearing our mask is our chance to do that: an opportunity to make America a better and safer place for all.

Let’s fight the good fight, and keep our masks on!

Summer is here! Time to put away those down jackets, scarves, and mittens. With more beautiful weather on the way, a sense of ease and relaxation, and a yearning to be outdoors, we also have to keep in mind we are still in the midst of a pandemic! This doesn’t mean we have to barricade ourselves from the sunlight and wallow away in isolation - but it does mean we can still absolutely enjoy our summer and still be safe! Like many others, before stepping out into the hot sun, I always put on sunscreen! I know this will protect me from getting burned and I won’t have to suffer the consequences later!

Wearing a mask this summer is just one small extra step to keep me healthy. Like sunscreen, a mask covers the vulnerable parts of my body and at this point it’s almost second nature. Summer should not prevent us from being able to enjoy our lives, the weather, or anything else that comes with it - but it should give us a chance to be mindful because as more people head to the outdoors, the higher the risk we still face without proper social distancing and mask-wearing.

What I love about our masks at Masks4Missions is the breathable cotton. I can still do all of my activities, indoor and outdoor, and I can do it in style! I love how these masks have added a new trend in fashion and it’s a really fun conversation starter! Summer is a time to get creative, to have fun, and most importantly doing so in safety and solidarity. We will get through this! Let the summer months bring out your artistic side, we would love to see the amazing summer fashion ideas that will pair with your mask!

Masks and their Meaning

As we stand strong together in wearing our masks, we may wonder why some of us choose to wear one and why others may not. For a lot of us, wearing a mask is yet another inconvenience but I try to see it from an optimistic perspective. For myself, It takes very little effort to wear a mask and it gives me peace of mind to know that I can try to do my part to help keep others safe. A mask also symbolizes solidarity and respect to keeping each other safe, alive, and well.

While' I do miss the chance to see a smile on someone’s face or other forms of facial expressions, I also feel happy inside when I see someone else wearing their mask. This is not only a mutual sign of respect, this is a team effort and it takes all of us to do our part. Will we be wearing masks forever? I certainly hope not! This is but a small sacrifice to prevent something much worse from happening.

One of the most exciting things has been to see how people from all walks of life have gotten so creative with their masks. We here at Masks4Missions have tried to bring out the best in others while proudly wearing our masks. I am always moved when I see other people using their imaginations and going wild on our DIY masks in particular. I’ve heard some feedback from others saying that masks dehumanize us, but I really beg to differ. In so many ways these masks have humanized us by embracing what is so precious to us - our health, or well-being, and our livelihoods.

A masks true meaning is to not only protect ourselves but to also protect one another. With something as a face mask, it unites us, and lets us embrace the preciousness and fragility of our lives. A mask means we are respectful and concerned, we are committed and strong in spirit, and that we can each do our little part to bring us back to better times ahead.

While we can and do continue to do our part to encourage mask wearing in interpersonal contexts, social media has become one of the most rapid and effective ways to advocate for mask-wearing. When we say “a picture is worth a thousand words” this rings especially true as we scroll through various feeds on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. There is a collective goal in mind to keep each other and ourselves safe. While vaccines continue to role out and proper CDC guidelines remain intact, there are still great risks that we face at this time.

One of the biggest issues on social at present is outdoor mask wearing. People are ready for summer to start, they are ready to feel the sun hit their face, and breathe that fresh air. The messages that are communicated on social media when mask use is no longer a factor is that people get a sense that this is all over and we can go back to “normal”. What really helps is the social media posts that continue to encourage others to do their part, wear their mask, and follow CDC guidelines.

From our Social Media Ambassador Laura Zhou-Hackett:

“My experience with social media has helped raise awareness for mask-wearing and mask-safety by showing my followers photos of real people who I photographed wearing masks. People appreciate seeing real human beings on their social media feed. One particularly effective post I made about masks was an image of me and my sister sledding down Mt. Philo wearing the Masks4Missions masks. I tagged the Vermont State Parks page, and they reposted my photo on their Instagram page which reached many more people than my following alone could (25.2k people!). I asked them to tag Masks4Missions which they happily did, so 25,000 people thought a little extra about mask-wearing that day. It felt nice to be spreading such a positive message to people all around Vermont.”

For April’s partner spotlight, Masks4Missions is excited to highlight the Vermont Foodbank. The Vermont Foodbank works to feed Vermonters who are facing food insecurity. Through various programs, the Vermont Foodbank gathers food, shares food, and nurtures people throughout the state. Some of their work includes collecting food donations, organizing groups to harvest excess produce from farms, and distributing food to Vermont residents.

“Our network of community partners works together to improve the health and well-being of the people in Caledonia and southern Essex counties by integrating our efforts and services with an emphasis on reducing poverty in our region. Our vision is that our neighbors are to be: financially secure, physically healthy, mentally healthy, well-nourished, and well-housed.”- Vermont Foodbank

Masks4Missions appreciates the opportunity to partner with the Vermont Foodbank to produce custom masks that benefit communities across the state.

Learn more about the Vermont Foodbank: https://www.vtfoodbank.org/share-food

As we move into the warmer months, restrictions continue to loosen each week. While this comes as a relief and provides assurance that we are beginning to return to usual, we must ensure that our communities remain safe and protected.

Until it is safe to remove them, continue wearing a mask.

A mask is a symbol of your commitment to the health and safety of others. It is an individual’s opportunity to tell people around them that they care.

We encourage you to be the tortoise and not the hare. Please do not sprint to the finish line, as we must ensure that we do not get stuck in the race back to normalcy. We are so close to resuming travel, full in-person school, and large gatherings. If you continue to advocate for mask-wearing, we will resume these activities sooner rather than later.

Vermont’s efficient vaccine rollout has given us the boost we need to have an awesome summer! Let us not take for granted this opportunity. Do your part. Wear a mask.

Purchase your superpower here

I recently pondered a question asked to me, “what does it mean to exist?” Without going too far down the rabbit hole, I contemplated even further (in vacant and in pensive mood) asking myself, what does it mean to exist during a pandemic? As we near Daylight Saving Time this weekend, we are set to “spring forward” and like a clock we are Spring driven. Many people feel that time itself during the selcouth pandemic has been somewhat of a vortex played on continuous loops. The perpetual feeling of an oscillating Groundhog Day encroaches upon us with a somewhat lugubrious state of affairs as to when we can finally get things back to “normal”. I for one feel it’s time to take a more salubrious approach to this perception of time and how we can use this pandemic to get our lives back on track.

I remember a dear friend once told me that the older you get the faster time flies - and if there is a kernel of truth in that statement, then it really explains why I no longer seem to have enough time to get everything done that I need to. Occasionally I stop and wonder, what time is it right now in my life? In the grand scheme of things, what does this all mean? Then I have to remember that I’m thinking too far ahead and I’m forgetting about what’s right in front of me. This time we have right here and right now is precious and we won’t get these hours, minutes, or seconds back. In the middle of life flying right by us, I have realized how important it is to cherish and embrace this time right now.

Many people want and seek instant gratification - time is money after all. Time however, does not care about such things and it is up to us to swing the pendulum of our own narrative. While things certainly happen beyond our control, this does not stop us from seeking opportunities for growing, helping, and becoming better human beings. If we dial back for a minute on our life clocks - are we making enough time for reflection, self-care, and self-love? It is time to come out of the quagmire of ticking self-doubt and ride the balance wheel as synchronized timekeepers of hope and endurance. We cannot wait for time to figure things out for ourselves. Time is a gift and this is an opportunity to pull ourselves together and really make something out of our lives. We are the escapements of our living and breathing timepiece. Time is on our side.

Image: Duy Huynh, Waiting for Time to Fly

March is on the horizon and yet it’s no doubt been a long winter. If you’re like me and searching for ways to stave off the boredom, look no further! Our SMAs have pulled together some tips and activities for how to stay engaged while staying safe. Read an excerpt below and click on the title for more ideas!

Being bored at home during the pandemic has happened to everyone, but there is one activity you can do that doesn't involve you being in front of a screen, which is sledding down a mountain with your family! Hiking up is slower when you are wearing snow pants and walking through the snow, but sledding down makes everything worth it. Find a mountain, I recommend Mt. Philo because there is a road so you can sled straight down. You can wear a helmet too, but if you look forward and steer you will be fine. Another activity you can do at home is to watch a new movie with your family- Hamilton anyone? Watching a good movie at the end of the day can help limit time spent on your phone throughout the day by giving you something to look forward to.

- Laura Zhou-Hackett