With the help of a sewing machine in her home, Seneca Valley junior Simren Jayaraman is helping make masks to donate to essential professionals. She and other Seneca Valley students have added their efforts to the local organization Cranberry Sews It Flat.

Seneca Valley students and parents have teamed up with the local volunteer organization called Cranberry Sews It Flat to help with the mask effort, following social regulations implemented by Gov. Tom Wolf.

Among Seneca Valley School District’s student volunteers are senior Eric Kavanagh; juniors Simren Jayaraman and Alisha Aboosally; and sophomore Shannon Jenkins and her Class of 2019 sister, Erin; along with seventh-grader Sydney Brower; and sixth- and third-graders Sophia and Leena Aprile.

The students’ parents are also sewing masks for Cranberry Township personnel and other essential professionals in the region.

“I have been sewing masks for the past three weeks,” Simren said. “I became involved with sewing masks because my neighbor and close family friend, who runs a seamstress business, Tatiana Brower, asked if I wanted to help.”

Simren said Brower, who is also a district parent, provided instructions for sewing masks.

“We are essentially making two styles of supplemental masks that can be worn over N95 masks to keep them cleaner for longer,” Brower said. “Or worn alone as part of the ‘My Mask Protects You, Your Mask Protects Me’ campaign.”

Brower said she’s been part of about 3,400 mask donations. Simren and her mother have made 25 masks for Cranberry Sews It Flat.

“I am very grateful for this opportunity to help my community during this tough time,” Simren said. “Sewing the masks has taught me that everyone has a role to play and no matter how small, any bit of effort can help.”

Those interested in helping or donating materials can contact Brower at solutionsbytatiana@gmail.com.