Immigrant mask makers provide pandemic PPE The im2: Immigrant Mask Makers of Western Massachusetts team. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO An assortment of masks made by the im2: Immigrant Mask Makers of Western Massachusetts team. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO A seamstress with im2: Immigrant Mask Makers of Western Massachusetts works at a sewing machine. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Published: 3/1/2021 3:43:37 PM NORTHAMPTON — When the COVID-19 pandemic struck the U.S. last March, lockdowns left many without jobs, while public safety measures created a scramble for face masks to protect against virus transmission. A Northampton-based group, im2: Immigrant Mask Makers of Western Massachusetts, soon went to work creating masks — and jobs — during the crisis. Today, the team, consisting of 16 immigrant women and co-founders Amy Ben-Ezra and Allie Aguirre, have sewn and coordinated the creation of hundreds of masks.