Giving Back.

When a critical shortage of surgical masks was exposed at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, a concerned nurse who was familiar with my handiwork reached out to inquire if I could somehow make one for him. 

Retreating to my sewing station, I found some elastic and suitable fabrics, and started to sketch and test out a few patterns. I managed to design a mask that was durable, comfortable, and as protective as possible. During the next several weeks, ongoing PPE shortages and word of mouth soon had me, my workhorse sewing machines, and a few family members cancelling weekend plans (often working into the wee hours of the morning) to crank-out over 4,000 masks from scratch.

My masks were delivered across the U.S., and as far away as Afghanistan—most to the brave people who needed the greatest protection at the height of the pandemic crisis: hospital workers, law enforcement officials, first responders, military members, other “essential workers”, and immunocompromised people.

Many recipients graciously offered to cover materials and shipping costs; others sent me gift certificates or baked goods! While I welcomed those kind gestures, there was no greater reward for this months-long volunteer effort than the heartfelt thank-you letters I received and the happy faces I saw in pictures sent to me by grateful recipients.