Last week, we handed out nearly 300 mask-making kits. We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the community!

We want to make this as convenient for people as possible to return the masks this week, so we’ve added several hours to each collection day. The last day to drop off completed mask kits (or leftover materials if they are not complete) is this Friday, April 3.

New extended drop-off hours

Salem — Town Park security booth (former Kmart parking lot off Mission St. SE and 25th St. SE)

• Wednesday, April 1, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Thursday, April 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Friday, April 3, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Dallas — West Valley Hospital parking lot (look for the tent)

• Thursday, April 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Friday, April 3, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Note: Salem Health is not accepting home-sewn fabric masks at this time. We are closely monitoring our supplies of all kinds of personal protective equipment (PPE) and will notify the community if further donations are needed.

Reminder: the single most important thing people can do to avoid COVID-19 is to continue staying home and maintaining social distance when not at home. We are anticipating more COVID-19 patients every day, but everyone who stays home and stays healthy helps keep the number of patients manageable — which also helps us conserve PPE.