Local woman makes masks to raise funds for PdC, Seneca Lions
Carol Crusan sells a variety of colorful masks in front of Lorenz Chiropractic during the recent Crazy Days in Prairie du Chien. (Photo submitted)
By Ted Pennekamp
A Prairie du Chien woman is making colorful masks to fight COVID-19 and also in support of the Lions Club’s of Prairie du Chien and Seneca.
Carol Crusan said she has been making the unique masks since early May after being taught by her granddaughter Jamie Crusan and Jamie’s mother Dawn Crusan.
Carol, who is a member of each Lions Club, sells each mask for a free will donation. The funds are split evenly between the Seneca and Prairie du Chien Lions.
“There are quite a few designs,” said Carol. “The Packers and Brewers masks are by far the biggest sellers. We don’t do Vikings.” Among the numerous other designs are camouflage masks, heart masks and John Deere masks.
“I sew them and cut them out,” said Carol. “Now I’m making some for kids.” The masks fasten to the ears by elastic bands.
As of mid-August, Carol had raised about $1,200 for the two Lions Clubs. The money will go toward various Lions Club projects.
“I have no idea how long this will go on,” said Carol. “It’s hard to do fundraising right now. We have been averaging $5 per mask, which is really generous.” Carol said some people give $20 for a mask and others give less than $5.
Carol sold masks at a booth in front of Lorenz Chiropractic during the recent Crazy Days in Prairie du Chien and plans to sell more at the upcoming Flea Market on St. Feriole Island from Sept. 18-20. “I hope they don’t cancel the Flea Market,” she said.
Carol said she has been working day and night since she began in order to get ahead and have a stockpile. “I work almost all day, every day,” she said. “It’s hard to keep up.”
In addition to events, Carol has been selling her masks from her home at 918 N. Beaumont Road, Prairie du Chien. She said people should call ahead at (608) 412-3184.
