ROCKPORT, Texas — A group of people in Aransas County is putting its sewing skills to good use by making face masks to be worn in hopes of preventing the spread of COVID-19.
“Anyone who’s considered high-risk (for getting infected), we try to put them first," one of the administrators of Aransas County PPE Sewing Relief Group Jesse Pilgrim said. "Then we reach out to locals who need a mask and can’t get one at this very minute.”
So far, the group has donated masks to several nursing homes, but it's not stopping there.
“We did recently have a request from one of our local fire departments," Pilgrim said. "I believe we’re going to reach out to (other fire departments) to see if they’re going to be needing some.”
The group's efforts are not going unnoticed.
"I’d like to thank them all for helping us help everyone in the community," Rockport Mayor Patrick Rios said. "It’s an important task they’ve taken on."
Rios points out that the masks made from donated 100 percent cotton fabric and are not 100 percent effective in protecting you from the coronavirus. However, he believes they'll do a better job of keeping an infected person from infecting others.
"Every one you run into -- everyone you see -- act like they’re infected and act like you’re infected," Rios said. "Stay safe, keep your distancing, practice good hygiene and we can all beat this.”
And in the battle against COVID-19 it doesn't hurt to have some soldiers who can sew.
"(Sewing) is one of my -- what I consider my superpowers," Pilgrim said. "I’m really good at it. So, why not do something you’re good at to give back to your community?”
