Jake Lavitt
Jake Lavitt, a junior in Computational Modeling and Data Analytics, did his part in the fight against COVID-19 as co-founder of America’s Masks, a sewing company based in his hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina. He and his brother, Brandon, started the company to help provide personal protective equipment to those in need during the pandemic.
“We saw the need for masks in the U.S., and given that our family has been in the hosiery business for over 100 years, we had the connections for large scale manufacturing,” he said.
Finding masks can be difficult when they are in such high demand, and they are often overpriced or on back order, Lavitt said. America’s Masks was created to offer affordable equipment in a timely manner to those who need it. The masks are made from a soft cotton blend on sock knitting machines in Fort Payne, Alabama. This manufacturing center is used by Bur-Tex Hosiery, to which Lavitt’s family is connected.
America’s Masks pledged to donate one mask to a homeless shelter for every order placed. The company partners with the Urban Ministries Center and the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte, which provide housing, food, and resources to underserved populations in the area. Customers can also choose to donate to a homeless shelter or organization close to them.
“During a time when unemployment is at a peak, and the country is on edge, donating to keep people safe is the least we can do,” Lavitt said.
Lavitt has created a social media presence for the company through a webpage and Instagram profile. These forums were designed to not only promote his product, but to create more awareness about personal protective equipment, and why it is important to wear. Lavitt hopes he can use comfort and style to help flatten the curve and encourage others to take COVID-19 seriously.