Donation drop-off locations are now available in Round Rock for volunteers who are sewing surgical masks for local first responders and health care facilities.

As personal protective equipment (PPE) remains in short supply, the Round Rock Fire and Police Departments, Round Rock Public Library and Round Rock Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management are working to preserve their inventory to keep first responders and medical personnel safe as they respond to calls. Two local sewing clubs, including one through the Round Rock Public Library and another through St. John Vianney Church, have already provided assistance in sewing surgical masks.

The City of Round Rock has set up three locations that the public and other sewing clubs in the area can use to drop off sewn masks, close-weaved fabric and elastic that can be used to sew masks:

• Central Fire Station — 203 Commerce Blvd.
• Fire Logistics Building — 3300 Gattis School Rd.
• Public Safety Training Center — 2801 North Mays

Masks will be collected and laundered at a City of Round Rock fire station with a CDC-approved disinfectant for coronavirus and then distributed to fire, police, EMS, and health care personnel in the region.

Since these masks are not a medical grade device, they will be worn by patients to prevent the spread of germs while being treated. The sewn surgical masks may also be used as a cover over medically-approved masks worn by first responders and medical personnel to lengthen the life of the approved mask. 

A video, pattern and instructions for masks that can be donated can be found at deaconess.com/masks.

The Round Rock Fire and Police Departments, Round Rock Public Library and Round Rock Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management continue to work together to identify and create volunteer opportunities to help the community at this time. For updates, visit roundrocktexas.gov/coronavirus.