AGAWAM/WEST SPRINGFIELD –  An Agawam resident is working to give back to educators and school employees in both Agawam and West Springfield.

Kristen Langevin sewed her first mask on March 17. She said she was inspired to begin making facemarks after the governor’s stay at home advisory. “I have a sewing machine and sew square things well,” she said. From there, Langevin said she went on YouTube and watched a tutorial on sewing a mask.

This, she said, is how she’s been making her masks ever since. “I haven’t veered from that since, just put a nose-wire in,” she said.

While there are lots of people making masks during this difficult time, what sets Langevin apart is that she has never, and has no plans to, charge people for the masks. “I’m giving them away for free. I’ve been giving them away to the elderly, immunocompromised and front line workers since the beginning,” she said.

Langevin said even though she doesn’t require payment for the masks, there is a suggested donation of $2.50 to $3, but emphasized that she wouldn’t charge those in need. However, she said people often give her donations of fabrics, materials and monetary donations. This, she said, has been the reason she’s been able to continue to give away the masks.

“I’ve gotten so many donations that I haven’t really had to charge in some time,” she said.

To date, Langevin said she’s made over 2,000 masks for those in need. “I make well made masks for those in need by those who care. The Agawam Senior Center has received a few batches, I’ve even stood outside of Geissler’s [Supermarket] in the early morning and handed them out,” she said.

She said recipients of those masks have included those at the Agawam Senior Center, community members and now school employees.

In the spirit of continuing to give away masks, she’s preparing to give away 100 masks to Agawam Public School employees and 100 masks to West Springfield Public School employees. Langevin, who is originally from West Springfield, said she “wanted to do something for the friends I have in these communities.”

“I’m grateful everyone is going back to school. What they had to do with logistics is pretty impressive,” she said.

The giveaway for Agawam school employees began on Sept. 24 while the giveaway for West Springfield school employees begins on Oct. 2. She said the giveaway will take place virtually, on her Facebook page, FreeBee Mask Factory. When the giveaway begins Langevin will post photos of the available masks, where school employees will be able to claim them.

Once the school employee has claimed the mask, Langevin said she will put the masks in a brown paper bag and reach out to them to facilitate a contactless, front porch pickup.

Langevin expressed her gratitude for those who have donated supplies and money so she could continue to make masks for those who need them. “People have been really really great at helping keeping this going,” she said.

Those wanting to participate in giveaway, donate materials or get a mask from Langevin can do so by visiting her Facebook page: FreeBee Mask Factory.