SPOKANE, Wash. — Personal protective equipment are critical for medical staff and caregivers during the COVID-19 outbreak.
As it turns out, someone stole 50 masks from Rose Pointe Assisted Living when they need them most. The Spokane Valley assisted living facility then put out a call for help.
Staff said they would accept any mask donations to replace them. Even if they are made with fabric from home.
It did not take long before the Spokane community fulfilled that need.
Volunteers like Dixie Hania and Heidi Pickens are part of a Spokane Facebook group coordinating efforts to sew and donate masks wherever they are needed.
"It's sad that it happened, but I'm glad I'm somebody who can help," Hania said.
While the masks are not made of medical grade materials, Pickens said "something is better than nothing."
Between these two volunteers, they donated about 100 masks to Rose Pointe.
"I had somebody say, 'Oh you're such heroes,' but we're not," Pickens said "It's the medical staff who are heroes, it's the people taking care of other people who are the heroes. But if we can help the heroes do their job, then that's good."
Pickens volunteers at a community theater making costumes. She's proud to use her sewing skills for good. And her act of kindness is for a familiar place.
She has worked with Rose Pointe through the Spokane County Library District.
"My job with the library is doing outreach," Pickens said. "So we bring books, movies, music, whatever people want to assisted living type facilities. And Rose Pointe is one of those. So it's a personal connect to me."
Rose Pointe staff are grateful for the community's help, and plan on sending thank you cards to volunteers like Pickens and Hania.