For 25 years, Allett in National City was known for producing slim wallets. Like other businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has adapted its sewing manufacturing site to creating non-medical masks.
What started out as a simple donation project of 1,000 masks for first responders, its buy two donate two masks production has exceeded its short-term goal.
The second generation of co-owners, Bridget and Adam Muscat, have their factory in full production — reaching more than 30,000 mask donations in a little over a week.
Bridget Muscat said when the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing began, she and her brother closed down for two weeks, but it was tough on the business and its employees.
“Actually, being a sewing shop, we thought, we can make these. At first we made just 1,000 masks to donate and at the last minute we decided to open up to our customers,” Muscat said. “We decided on selling a two-pack of masks and for every two-pack you purchase we donate two masks to our first responders, hospitals and retirement homes.”
Muscat said they started with material for 1,400 units, but within a day or two, had already gotten 10,000 units for donation.
“The demand for masks right now is really great, and people are wanting them right now, so we are working hard to get them out as quickly as possible. Mask orders ship seven to 10 days after order date,” she said.
Muscat said the “coolest thing” about this whole program is being able to see customers’ comments online when their orders come in, and the comments come in all forms of praise for what they are doing, with many “thank you” comments for what they are doing and thanking them for allowing customers to be a part of helping the local community.
“I think people are feeling a little helpless right now,” said Muscat. “This is a nice way of letting people give support to our essential workers and also to be able to stay safe in their homes and get protection with it. We gave it the name Thousands of Masks because that was our goal. I thought I would have been happy if we were able to donate 3,000 masks. Now we are up to 10 times that. I believe with this community’s support we can get up to 50,000 or 100,000 masks to donate.”
Through friends, Bridget and Allen met up with couples in Los Angeles who are also producing masks, considered different designs and ultimately decided on one.
“It’s nice. It has an antimicrobial fabric layer, and also a polypropylene spunbound nonwoven filter inside,” said Muscat. “The material for the masks is in high demand now, especially the filter. We’ve been working hard to acquire this material, and that is the most difficult part of this.”
Allett has about eight employees working now and is working with some of their friends’ shops who are making masks, helping them with the demand.
Muscat said in order to keep their employees safe, they are not allowing customers to pick up orders from the shop and all orders are done online only.
To learn more about Allett’s Thousands of Masks buy two, donate two program visit www.all-ett.com.
