By Sarah Rosenberg

Amidst all the negative ways the pandemic has impacted the world, it is important to look at the positives. As a former president once said, “Never waste a good crisis”. Oak Hall senior Alexa Katz took these words to heart. During the five months campus was closed due to the coronavirus, Katz saw a problem and found a charitable solution. She started “Masks by Alexa” to help people affected by the pandemic.

The organization she decided to raise money for is Gigi’s Playhouse, a charity for individuals with Down Syndrome. They offer free educational, therapeutic-based and career development programs for individuals with Down Syndrome, their families, and the community, through a playhouse model. The program is completely volunteer-run and donations-based. “I had many conversations with friends and family about masks being uncomfortable and, honestly, how ugly [masks] were,” Katz said, “I knew there was a solution,” she continued.

Katz spent a few days discussing the project with the people at Gigi’s Playhouse, then got to work. She began using white masks and tie-dying the masks all different colors. “I was shocked by the support I received from friends, family, teachers, and even people I didn’t know,” Katz said enthusiastically. Her original goal for the fundraiser was $1,000 but she has already raised more than $2,000. All the profit she makes goes directly to Gigi’s Playhouse, helping to support people in need. Each mask is $10 and can be ordered through Katz’s website http://www.masksbyalexa.com.