The need for face masks in the Champaign-Urbana area has escalated considerably as a result of state guidance during the pandemic
When you’re looking for custom face masks for adults or children, or simply a store you can pop into to purchase a mask in a pinch, our readers have pointed us toward what you want to know.
Face coverings or masks will be required for quite some time in public places where a six-foot social distance cannot be maintained at all times. As indoor establishments open in Illinois and resume more typical operations (see what is open and closed around Champaign-Urbana here), masks are simply a fact of life right now.
With a possible return to in-person schooling coming this fall in some shape or form, kids will be required to wear masks while at school. It has been announced that the state will provide students with cloth masks, but we need to consider the number of masks we may want/need to have on hand for our families as the year rolls onward.
More detailed local information and resources concerning masks and face coverings can be found here. The requirements for Illinois residents are in line with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations for the use of cloth coverings over the nose and mouth to lower the chances of spreading germs.
Many entrepreneurial folks in our community have started making masks for sale. We also see a number of mainstream retailers carrying masks for children and adults in large quantities.
We asked our readers where to get cloth masks locally and who is making them, because we have no doubt about the amazing creativity and talent of people here in town. We also know not all masks are created equal and the ones that are withstanding the test of time may be in high demand!
Looking for face shields? Please note, face shields do not meet the face covering requirement for schools in Illinois; however we realize there are circumstances in which people are seeking to purchase these. Readers are turning to Amazon and Etsy shops to find them, and we hear they’re sold at Sams Club. Someone also recommended the CU Mask Makers (and their 3D printer) as a possible source for shields.
Editor’s Note: chambanamoms.com has compiled this list with information from our readers so that you can reach out to a mask maker near you. Please note that we do not have masks for sale/distribution. Choose a contact person or retail establishment near you below and reach out to them directly to place an order or make a purchase. Updated July 19.
Here’s a list of where you can get cloth face masks and disposable face masks in Champaign-Urbana, as reported by our readers. Please note that stores will sell out, and we do not know when supplies will be depleted. We’ve included both local businesses and people in the community selling on their own. The recommendations below come from information shared by our readers.
Stores in Champaign-Urbana selling cloth and/or disposable masks
- Meijer, Walmart, Target, Schnucks
- Old Navy, Ross, Michaels
- Farm and Fleet, Urbana
- Lowe’s, Champaign
- Winderson’s Creations (Mahomet)
- Market at the Square (and other area Farmers Market) vendors
- Campus Ink
- Mahomet Ace Hardware
- Prairieland Feeds, Champaign
- Circle K in Savoy
- Big Lots, Champaign (cloth child size available)
- Timothy John Salon and Spa, Urbana
- Cathy’s Creations, Mahomet
- Hudson Drug Shop, Paxton
- Walgreen’s, CVS (disposable)
- Haymaker’s, Champaign (disposable)
- Harvest Market, Champaign (adult and children’s disposables)
- Joanne Fabric’s, Champaign (adult/children’s cloth masks)
Where to purchase custom cloth masks from local makers in the Champaign-Urbana area
- AbbyJosCreation
This Champaign maker is selling adult-size double layer reusable, washable, and reversible handmade face masks. Buy a mask and she donates one to a local hospital. $13 each. See masks and place your order here.; ask about free pickup options. - Bonnie Anderson
A Mahomet family is offering child and adult masks for $5 each featuring the 1/8″ elastic loop design. Porch pick up in Mahomet and shipping now available. Place an order by visiting this website. - Mahnaz Azari
Mahnaz is making face masks for sale in a variety of sizes from cotton fabric with different patterns. Please reach out to her by calling this number and she will send you the pictures of masks available and other details. - Body ‘n Sole Sports
A three-layer polyester mask by Augusta and a sublimated mask or gator can be customized. Prices range from $5 to $15.95; small logos can be heat-pressed on masks or full customization is available (3 week turnaround time, 100 piece minimum). - Cy Creatives
Colorful cloth masks of non-medical grade materials for $5 each, with options for porch pickup in Champaign or shipping (for an additional charge). Place an order with this online form. - Elliewix
Face mask with nose wire, filter pocket, adjustable elastic or ties, 100% cotton, multiple fabrics! $6 and up. (I’ve made and donated about 600 masks so far. I maintain a mask stand in front of my house in Urbana.) - Fabrikate
Offers washable and reusable cloth face masks in 3 different sizes, with ties or cord locks. Choose from a gallery of available fabrics. Find more mask info here. - Mary Franny’s Custom Creations
Masks are $3 each and have a filter pocket, in adult and children’s sizes. Porch pickup in Seymour or shipping (additional cost) for the masks. - Theodore Gray
They are producing a “fitted cup” style of mask with three layers of fabric. The masks have an adjustable behind-the-head/neck band with a cord lock that lets you set the length and a heavy-duty nose wire. Click here to visit their website. - Tamara Johnson
$5 masks with 1/8 inch elastic. Profits will go toward supplies. Email here or call 217-637-1422. - Sara Jones
Contact Sara by clicking here for a cloth mask with ties, not elastic. She is giving them away until her fabric stash is gone and will deliver. - LaFoon Face Covers
Lots of colorful patterns to choose from; solid colors, prints and your favorite sports teams. Anyone interested in purchasing face covers can visit the website by clicking here. - maSKed
A business by University of Illinois students. $12-16 per mask, they donate a portion of proceeds to charity. - Masks a.f
Masks sold by scheduled appointment time pickup in Philo. Prints, patterns, etc. and designed with a custom fit. - ModernArras
2 layers of high quality quilter’s fabric, with pocket for additional filter (not included), and nose wire (included). Washable and comfortable. $14.99. Ships USPS or can arrange local pickup in Tuscola. - MonstersUnderMyBedCo
This Champaign Etsy shop has masks in all kinds of fabrics available for $9 and up. - NORDENathome
This Urbana-based German design studio has shifted their efforts into making and selling face masks. Masks cost $18.50 and use two layers of cotton fabric. These can be worn over an N95 mask, too. It may take a few days to fulfill your order. - Obvious in Hindsight Masks
These “ear saver” masks are made with two layers of quilting fabric and use a removable elastic band that wraps around the back of your head. They cost $10, and can be picked up or dropped off. Place your order here. - Jennifer Orchard
Jennifer is making adult and child size masks. Elastic and tie back. $5. FB message her for available colors or text 815-715-0052. https://m.me/ladyjorchard - Megan Pinto
Cloth masks with nose wire and filter pocket in four different adult/child sizes. $7 each. For every 4 sold, 1 will be donated. Click here to order. - Quirky Craftopia
Get adult and child masks through this Etsy shop and you will help local mask maker Lorena Rios Acosta buy more fabric to donate masks to Hospice Hearts and Carle. Local customers can message for a discount. - RagstoRubiesDesign
Making cloth face masks since the beginning of the pandemic. Offers a variety of sizes ranging from child size 3-adult for $15. Several fabric patterns available, as well as elastic ear bands with adjusters. Three layers of cotton fabric, machine washable. Based out of Mahomet and can offer porch pick up. - San
4 layer reusable mask. Washable cotton unisex adult and children mask with or without valve with PM 2.5 filter. $5 if you can pick up in Champaign, or extra $3 for shipping for other areas. - Sew Unique Kidz
This Mahomet maker is selling masks; stock includes Illini masks – in orange and blue and in pink, as well as Bears and other sports. Kids and adult masks are $10. Ships out in a couple of days. See masks and place your order here. - S2R Crafts
Get adult and child masks through this Etsy shop and you will help local mask maker Melissa Pasco buy more fabric to donate masks to Hospice Hearts and Carle. Local customers can message for a discount. - Suits by Soouljah
Masks are available for purchase for $8 at Suits by Soouljah in Champaign. The address of the shop is 1708 W. Bradley. People can place an order by calling or texting Herbert Burnett at 915-276-0045 or contacting him via Facebook here. - Uno por Dos
Their goal is to donate two fabric face masks for every mask purchased to organizations around CU where they can be distributed to individuals and families that need them the most. Some customizations available; visit their Etsy shop here. - Melissa Vessell
Melissa is making face masks for sale at $5/each. Please reach out to her by calling this number or email and she will send you details. - Wagner Signs and Apparel
Selling a variety of face masks and mask kits. Order online at WagnersPrinting.itemorder.com, or call 217.469.6244. Located in St. Joseph.
Where to Donate Masks
Are you making masks and want to donate them? Our community thanks you! There are several ways to contribute:
1. Donate them to Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, who is distributing them to local businesses with essential workers. You can view their recommended sewing tutorial here. If you’re a business that needs masks, contact CUPHD: 217-239-7877 or coronavirus@c-uphd.org.
2. There are still healthcare organizations that are taking the masks as well, including Carle. More info HERE.
Would you like to connect with other mask makers in C-U and find out what the community’s ever-emerging needs are? Join the CU Mask Makers group on Facebook for tips on getting started and to connect with other area mask makers.
Want to be added to this post? Do you have masks available for purchase or donation? To be included in this post, email us by clicking here to let us know exactly how people can get in touch with you (email, phone, etc.). You will be added to this post within 1-2 business days.