Hillary Cohen may work as the key 2nd assistant director on NCIS but she’s also been sewing since she was 12 years old. With the current circumstances the world faces, Hillary decided to use her love of sewing as a way to give back. She started sewing masks by herself in early March, making 205 in her first few days. Hillary ran out of supplies so she went on Facebook asking for help with fabric and then got a huge donation by the company Astek. Her original goal was to sew 1000 masks, but she’s since hit that goal and doesn’t plan on stopping until the need for face masks slows down.

As a way to challenge herself and others, Hillary held a virtual 12 hour sew-a-thon. Not only did Hillary want the challenge, but she also wanted community. Her love of sewing has connected her to other sewers around the US. Sewing is what connects them together and having that connection is what motivates Hillary to keep sewing. Between Hillary and her team, 2500 masks have been made so far. Hillary plans on hosting another 12 hour sew-a-thon on May 16th from 7am-7pm and a “sew-cial hour” twice a week on Zoom.

Once the need for face masks decreases, Hillary also plans to start a non profit where she takes excess food from LA film sets to feed those living on the street. She does not accept payment for her masks but does take donations through her website, calltocrafting.com