A group of JAMS supporters in DeKalb County, Illinois, has donated their time, talent, and treasure to help protect JAMS students, teachers, and staff when the school can reopen in January, 2021.

Long-time JAMS supporter Rob Stoll donated fabric and other supplies as well as created the pattern for the face masks. He then recruited Diane Hance, Joanne Hackerson, and Sue Goudy to help sew the masks. Rob, Diane, Joanne, and Sue have sewn 400 masks, enough for JAMS students, teachers, and staff to have two each.

The mask fabric is sturdy South African shweshwe in a red, black, and white pattern—the JAMS school colors! The masks will not only protect but will also look great with the students’ school uniforms.

How did this generous project come about? Rob said simply that “I had the ability to do it so I did it—because it was the right thing to do.” Similarly, Joanne said that for her it’s about stewardship: “I try to share the talents that were given to me to help others.”

Diane said “Masks, to me, are a sign of caring for ourselves, caring for others . . . our friends, family & community, caring for our nation and world. We are all in this together. It was an honor to sew for JAMS, spreading that love out into the world. I look forward to seeing a picture of the girls with their masks when school starts.” We look forward to that, too, Diane!

On July 26, Rob Stoll delivered the 400 masks to Teresa Wasonga and Andrew Otieno, co-founders of JAMS. He also supplied fabric, patterns, and instructions so that students can learn to make masks on the JAMS sewing machines—an excellent vocational skill to possess. The masks will be delivered to JAMS in early August.

Many thanks, asante sana, Rob, Diane, Joanne, and Sue! Your care for the students and others at JAMS is heartwarming.

Find out more about how JAMS is supporting students during the pandemic HERE.