The Mask Brigade honored by Antioch

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Anna Haley Fielder and Jill Cannon stepped up and led a team of sewers in producing protective coverings for not only their hometown of Antioch, but communities and organizations that reached far beyond their borders.

On Monday, July 13, Mayor Lawrence Hanson and the village board recognized the Mask Brigade organizers, Fielder and Cannon, for their work and efforts in organizing and activating the Mask Brigade.

"What this group has accomplished is truly incredible, and their volunteerism and sense of community is what Antioch is all about. They are an asset to our community," Hanson said.

The Mask Brigade comprises more than 55 volunteers. The hands of these women sewed more than 42,955 masks throughout a two-month period, averaging 700 masks per day, which equates to nearly 5,000 masks per week.

Specific notable volunteers whose contributions exceeded 2,000 masks were recognized as a part of the proclamation.

Antioch leaders, including Mayor Hanson and Township Supervisor Tom Shaughnessy, worked together to provide resources and volunteers to distribute the handmade masks to more than 100 organizations and thousands of residents in the Antioch community and beyond.

This included the Antioch Police and Fire Departments, area hospitals, senior living centers, advocacy groups, food banks, schools, local businesses and civic organizations.

"Anna, Jill and their team stepped up without being asked. They organized themselves and worked with tireless passion and compassion for our community. This will be part of our history, and I'm proud to know this amazing team of volunteers," Shaughnessy said.

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