MASK MAKERS – There are , sewing guilds, quilting groups, church volunteers, inmates in county jails and many individuals all across the Red Rive Radio Listening area who are making protective masks. These grassroots efforts are supplying thousands of masks to healthcare workers on the front lines battling the Coronavirus pandemic. Our reporter in Nacogdoches, Texas – Wynter Chauvin files this report.
HELPING THE HEALERS - At Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Angela Bacarisse and Barbara Blackwell, Theater department faculty, are acting as a clearing house and support for local volunteers. They are using CDC approved patterns that fit over N-95 masks and other styles of masks, caps and head bands. Angela Bacarisse explains why making masks is important to so many.
“ So many of us feel helpless at this time cause there is nothing we can do about it," Bacarisse said. "We have a skill, how can we use our skill to make a situation better and make ourselves not feel quite so helpless. It’s part of the coming together in this time of national strife, it’s what skill do I have and how can I help with it.”
Bacarisse says anyone interested in joining the mask-making effort in their community can learn more by searching online for local groups or starting their own. There are also how-to videos on YouTube as well.
Wynter Chauvin is based in Nacogdoches, Texas
