FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Staying at home and making masks is what a mother in Fountain Valley has been doing, along with help from many other "Masketeers."

Stephanie Hoang has been making masks for a few weeks with sewing skills she says she learned as a kid while helping her mom.

“We would sew these garments, shirts or whatever the case, per $1 or $1.50 per piece. And that’s how we were able survive when we first came to America," Hoang said.

Now she’s sewing to help protect essential workers.

“This is a duty, as a person, as a human being because if you’re capable, and you’re able, then there shouldn’t be a hesitation to do something like this," she said.

MORE COVERAGE:

The first batch of handmade masks went to Dr. Thomas Quach who delivered Hoang’s daughter. The doctor is now a member of the growing Masketeers team. He’s now helping coordinate deliveries to other local hospitals.

In just a few weeks, the Masketeers have made and mailed about 18,000 masks. Hoang took a few weeks off from her full-time job in financial services to organize this effort and personally has sewn at least 1,000 masks.

“My hands do hurt. My butt hurts more than my hands from sitting in the chair," she said, adding that the pain is worth it especially if these masks can help those who continue to work and risk their lives during this pandemic. 

She’s had help from her daughter, Phia, and from many others including Hoang’s neighbor and friend Anh Nguyen and Nguyen’s daughter, Cheyenne. 

“I can’t go out at all, so when she finishes school, we both kind of look at each other, what are we going to do the rest of the day?" Nguyen said.

So the mother and daughter have been filling the time by helping cut fabric for the masks and measuring and cutting elastic ear loops.

“I want to be helpful. I don’t want to be helpless," Nguyen said. "I want to do something that help other people while we’re social distancing yourself.”

Her daughter Cheyenne said if they're able to do something, then they should. 

"We can give back to the community and flatten the curve," she said.

The Masketeers say they hope it helps flatten the curve beyond the local areas. It’s why Hoang created an online tutorial and a template to share with anyone who wants to help.

“One person or one group effort isn’t going to be enough, and so we wanted to share and inspire," Hoang said.

Hoang says Masketeers are now in Texas, Florida, New York, New Jersey, and other states.

If you’d like to help with the Masketeers with their effort, and maybe can’t sew, the group is also accepting donations.