Love Sweatshop (Part 2)

It’s been over two months since my family and I started a mask making group called ‘Love Sweatshop’, where we sow non-medical grade face masks that we donate to front-liners, seniors, families, children and to the homeless. The group has grown in numbers and many others have also expressed their interest to start sewing or contributing to the cause.

To date, we have already made thousands of masks and have distributed them to hospitals, senior homes, laboratories where COVID-19 testings are done, day care centers, charity groups and different organizations who partnered with us in distributing the masks to the needy. The masks have reached beyond the borders of Metro DC, we have sent them to different groups of front-liners in New York, California, Florida, Texas and many others.

We also randomly give out face masks to strangers who are not wearing any mouth protection whenever possible. Some would joyfully accept it but some would also refuse. Either way, our hope is for them to feel that someone cares for them. After all, it is the goal of Love Sweatshop to influence our community through love and kindness through these face masks.

Each locally distributed face mask is packaged with a devotional booklet and a short message of encouragement. It is our mission to make it known to the recipient that aside from physical protection, we also need healing and hope. We don’t know who we are reaching out to, whether that person is depressed or struggling, alone or looking for comfort, but we want to be there for them to let them know that there is more to life and that there is a big God looking after them. Beyond the virus itself, many people are suffering from other illnesses and emotional battles, and we want to cover them with our prayers and give them the message of hope through Jesus Christ.

This unexpected day-to-day project became an instant ministry. Our initial goal was to only provide masks to close families and friends. But now, it has surprisingly overflowed to people we don’t even know. The Love Sweatshop group is receiving heartwarming appreciation from many different people and it really inspires us to continue with this service to help others. I, personally, am so amazed by how these masks multiplied and were warmly received. This experience has taught me that selfless love and humility has the power to change and make a difference.

I am thankful for all the people involved in this project. They are the power behind this movement. They serve as God’s loving arms to reach out to those who need hope. This gives us the opportunity to connect with people during this social distancing era we currently live in due to COVID-19. I believe that despite this pandemic, God is in the process of restoring things in His creation. The question I would like to raise is - what are you doing to love your neighbor better and be a light to your community? Let’s find ways to show God’s love to people as we unite to fight this virus.

Find out more about the group, visit Love Sweatshop on Facebook.