Mandy Kakac and her mom Lori Smith set about making personalized masks for VGH
Jakob 11 and Anna Becker 15, prepare to mail masks out to friends and relatives that need them
Heather Nesler's creations in progress
Sharon Wright
Caroline Dick
Angie Becker modeling a mask made by her children
Terese Husnik sewed the masks
Tom Husnik cut out the material
Deb Garbers folded and pinned the material
Beverly Kenney might be in lockdown over Covid-19 but she's not letting that stop her from helping
When Vinton hears of a need, Vinton steps up. The side effects of this pandemic have created a shortage of masks for hospitals. As soon as the news hit, a group of nearly 30 area residents began to make plans to help.
Viking Sewing Center has been assisting the group with patterns and directing people to supplies in the effort to meet a potential need in Vinton.
It's not a job just for women I found. Tom Husnik was put to work cutting out the masks and even Jakob Becker, 11 had a crash course in sewing. Terese Husnik sewed the material masks together while Deb Garbers folded and pinned the material, All per Dean Luze's instructions owner of Viking Sewing Center.
Kirk Wright said about his wife's efforts, " Lost my wife to her sewing machine. Getting her system down to knock out masks for the Hospital. I never forget some people make the world a better place just being in it and you are one of them."
She might be under lockdown/held hostage/quarantined at Windsor Manor but Beverly Kenney is not going to let a little thing like her young age of 82 stop her from lending a hand when it's needed either! Probably some of the oldest in the area sewing to save our health care workers or others that might need a mask for their health.
On the other end of the age spectrum, Angie Becker's son and daughter have made 36 so far. Jakob only 11 years old learned to sew so that he could help along with his older sister Anna who is 15. Neither knew how to sew until they found a need that could only be met with this ability. The sewing machine that they are using was ironically from their great grandmother, Mary Becker who is living in assisted living and the kids will be sending her some of their masks. Angie said of the kids that they've got a system set up. She showed them how to make them and they've taken it over.
Others who are cutting/sewing/assembling include the following people: Lynette Bakenhus, Deb Christianson, Kristie Woods, Kimberely Noe, Barbara Anderson, Shawn Gerber, Linda Fischer, Nancy Good, Kris Halberg, Courtney Long, Heather Nesler, Mandy Kakac, Lori Smith, Caroline Dick, Jennie Birker and daughter Izzie, Dawnette Richards, Julie Hessenius, Kelly Wagner, Donna Thompson, June McGowan, Lori McGowan, Julie Hertle, Talli Linnabery, Tiffiny Christophel, Joyce Calvert, who is also making gowns with Vicki Streeter.
I know there are more of you out there, feel free to comment your name if you are among those sewing and I'll gladly add you to the list! Send me a picture and I'll add you to this album as well.
The masks being sewn are created to hold a disposable filter which can be changed.
At this time, the local hospital, Virginia Gay Hospital and the Vinton Lutheran home have requested the masks. Some are also being given to area nursing homes. This group of folks is ready to help whoever needs assistance.
To all of you sharing your skills, thank you from all of the rest of us!
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Editor's note: Virginia Gay Hospital is NOT in need at this time. The people sewing for friends, relatives, other area nursing facilities, and some even for the Cedar Rapids hospitals. Some have begun to create masks for the local hospital just in case the need arises.