SCHOHARIE — Volunteers are needed to sew, collect, wash, sanitize, and redistribute protective fabric masks for health-care professionals and first responders.

Bassett Healthcare Network, Schoharie County Office Emergency Services and Public Safety Department, and SALT (Schoharie Area Long Term) Development are coordinating the effort.

Two kinds of volunteers are needed — to sew the masks, and to distribute them.

Bassett Healthcare Network has created a pattern with instructions for 2-ply and 3-ply fabric masks to ensure consistent protection. Click on this link for instructions on how to make the masks or conduct an internet search for “Bassett Healthcare Protective Fabric Masks.”

Once the masks are complete, drop them off at the Heritage House Front Porch, 258 Main Street, Schoharie NY 12157 or the Schoharie County Office of Emergency Services, 2783 State Route 7, Cobleskill NY 12043, during normal business hours — there is a box in the vestibule area where masks can be dropped off.

Or call 518-295-7258 to arrange for a volunteer to pick up the masks that you have made.

Volunteers will then drop the masks off at a predetermined location within Schoharie County where they will be cleaned, sanitized, and packaged for redistribution. Volunteers are also needed to pick up the sanitized and packaged masks and deliver to sites around the county that are most in need of masks.

Volunteers who are signing up to pick up and drop off masks, must complete a Personal Identification Form before participating in the project. Blank forms may be downloaded from the SALT website and emailed to . Blank forms can also be found in hard copy in a folder on the Heritage House Front Porch and also in the vestibule at Schoharie County Office of Emergency Services.

Only registered SALT volunteers will conduct pickup and delivery. Pickup and drop-off volunteers must wear SALT identification that is easily visible, which they will be issued once they complete and submit a personal identification form. Pickup and drop-off volunteers also must have a valid New York State driver’s license and a vehicle.

Social distancing must be achieved through wearing masks and gloves as well as keeping a minimum six-foot distance from all other people.

For additional information, call Anne Morton 585-737-1531 or email info@saltdevelopment.org.