Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County’s Sewing and English Language Workplace Skills class is learning remotely by making cloth facial coverings for themselves, their families and the community at large. Class participants received written instructions by mail, and lead sewing volunteer Nancy Calkins dropped off fabric and elastic at the entrance to each learner’s home. Nancy is the coordinator for a larger community effort to distribute masks to health care providers and others in the Capital Region who need PPE at this time, so she’s perfectly positioned to integrate our learners into this form of civic engagement. Five women from Afghanistan and Pakistan have participated in this project, completing multiple masks and helping themselves, their families and their neighbors to stay healthy and safe. Please see the attached photo to view a sample of the finished product.