COOPERSTOWN — The Bassett Healthcare Network has said that they welcome any and all offers from the public to sew homemade face masks in light of a nationwide shortage of medical-grade respirator masks.

Medical officials said they welcome volunteers to do the actual sewing, to donate supplies for the fabric masks and to donate money to purchase supplies.

“While fabric masks are not a substitute for health care grade respirator-type masks, this is a coordinated effort to use the fabric masks to extend the life and supply of the N95 respirator masks,” said Kelly Rudd, pharmacy director of the Bassett Healthcare Network.

Instructions on how to make fabric masks, including patterns, can be found at the Bassett website www.bassett.org/covid-19.

Completed masks can be dropped off at the Bassett warehouse at 26 Grove St., Cooperstown, starting on Wednesday, March 25. Completed masks can also be mailed to that address with “Attention: Fabric Masks” written on the package.

Bassett officials said they will need around 20,000 fabric masks. The masks will be disinfected and used repeatedly throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

If you wish to donate supplies, Bassett said they need pre-shrunk, 100% cotton fabric in a tight weave, preferably white. One yard of fabric can be used to create five masks. They do not want red fabric.

Bassett said they also need elastic cord or 1/8-inch elastic ribbon. One yard of cord can be used to create two masks.

If you wish to donate money, contact the Friends of Bassett at 1-800-BASSETT or visit the website www.firendsofbassett.org.