MercyOne Colleague Spotlight: Michelle McClure

Michelle McClure, medical laboratory technician at MercyOne Clive Family Medicine, has a generous heart and a love for helping others. Since March, she has made and donated more than 1,700 hand-sewn face masks to MercyOne Des Moines and the Des Moines community.

One of Michelle’s favorite things to do is spend time with her family. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and we began our time of social distancing, she, like many others, found herself with a lot of time on her hands.

When MercyOne Des Moines asked the community for hand-sewn face masks, Michelle, whose mother taught her to sew, was quick to help fill the need.

“When I sew these masks, it feels like my mother is with me and that I’m close to her. And, when I can’t be close to my grandchildren, it (sewing) helps time pass,” said Michelle.

Michelle has made masks for several MercyOne Des Moines clinics, MercyOne Des Moines Foundation, other community organizations, family members, friends and whoever is in need of one. She has also sent masks to people in New York and Arizona who she connected with through Facebook. She provides these masks at no cost.

“Seeing my co-workers wear my face mask styles and patterns makes me smile,” said Michelle. “It really does bring me great joy to help someone else and if I can help stop the spread (of COVID-19), which would make me so happy.”

Michelle knows there is still people in need of hand-sewn face masks, and that is what keeps her motivated to continue making more. Currently she working on making children’s masks for MercyOne Children’s Hospital, Urbandale schools and Waukee schools.

MercyOne Des Moines is still in need of hand-sewn face masks for patients and colleagues. Michelle hopes and encourages other sewers and mask makers to donate to MercyOne Des Moines.

“MercyOne is passing along these masks, which is helping our community get their faces covered and slow the spread,” said Michelle. “If there is anyone out there who can sew face masks, I hope they give some to MercyOne.”

Donations can be dropped off in the blue bin at the main (north) entrance to MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please follow the Iowa Department of Public Health guidelines and visit mercyone.org/desmoinesfoundation/give/covid for more information.

“I am so happy to be able to help and I plan to keep them coming,” said Michelle. “I’ll be sewing until the cows come home!”

For more information on how you can support MercyOne Des Moines during the COVID-19 pandemic, please contact MercyOne Des Moines Foundation Senior Director of Development Joan Bindel at JBindel@mercydesmoines.org or 515-643-8020.