Grace Bernal has suspended her home basement face-mask factory.
In a Saturday Facebook post, Bernal, 16, a North Aurora resident, said “Thanks to you, I have been able to make a total of 1,254 face masks. This will be the last handout for a little while, as I am tired and just need a little break.”
Sunday, the junior at West Aurora High School gave away 168 masks from a table set up outside at her home at 9:30 a.m.. Due to high demand, Bernal limited the handout to three masks per family.
According to Bernal, a North Aurora police officer applauded visitors’ ability to stay six feet from each other.
She sewed masks using monetary and material donations, fabric, elastic and rubber bands, to WoofWoofCreations, her dog-bandana business through Etsy. She estimated each mask took roughly a half-hour to sew.
The fashion design student of Stacey Enslen, fashion teacher at West Aurora High School, announced availability of masks through posts on What’s Happening in North Aurora, a Facebook page.
According to Bernal, her masks were made from two layers of cotton fabric, not medical grade.
Bernal said, “Thanks again for all the love and support. It has been so beautiful to see this amazing community come together. Don’t forget to wash your hands!”