This Amazing Group of Seniors Give Back to the Community

At the end of 2019, a group of residents who call American House Village home, coined themselves the “Piece Makers” – a play on words as they “pieced” together puzzles to create permanent works of art. The residents then sold the completed, mounted puzzles and donated the proceeds to the American House Foundation*, a 501(c)3 committed to helping local seniors in need through grants and research funding. 

As we’re now facing the COVID-19 crisis, the Piece Makers have shifted their focus. Instead of creating visual masterpieces, they are making masks for caregivers and other American House residents. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. The CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus, and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.

With masks in short supply, the group saw a need and felt compelled to do what they could to help.

“We are able to pay it forward and contribute to keeping our community healthy. It’s important to remember we are all in this together,” explained Carol P., a member of the Piece Makers.

Making over 200 masks, the Piece Makers have set up shop in the craft room at American House Village. To help flatten the curve, they practice social distancing by remaining at least six feet apart while making the masks. 

“By sewing masks, we feel constructive and helpful,” said Marge D., another member of the Piece Makers.

Staying safe and healthy remains a top priority at American House. 

“The need for all residents to have a mask to wear enabled us to part of the solution,” explained Carol S., Piece Makers member. 

All American House communities are following the recommendations of the CDC on prevention steps. Additionally, our team is in close contact with the local and state health departments and we are following their guidance.  

For more information on how we’re responding to this crisis, please visit: /covid-19-virus

*The American House Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit committed to helping local seniors in need through  grants and research funding. No money goes toward helping residents at American House Senior Living Communities.