By Andrew Edwards
EAN Staff Writer
Communities from the river region are starting to show their resilience more and more everyday to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
As cases continue to rise across the state and country, people are banding together like never before.
But it’s not in the physical sense.
In Glennbrooke of Prattville, a movement is starting on an online neighborhood Facebook Page to make as many masks as possible for first responders in the area.
Brenda Fox, Glennbrooke resident, originally sparked the idea when she posted on the Facebook page letting the community know that they were in need of elastics to make masks.
Lisa Tucker, another resident, responded with a solution to Fox’s problem.
“I had lots of materials from when I sewed for my girls when they were younger. I decided to look and realized that I had all of the items needed that I would attempt to make one. They really are not difficult to make at all,” Tucker said. “I had no idea the need there was for them however, I thought if I could help a few while teaching my girls some life skills, that would be a win-win!”
But the demand quickly came as people from the community found out that Fox’s and Tucker’s masks were extremely well made. Tucker decided to come up with a plan to make even more.
“Once we realized how many people were needing them, I decided that I would need to try to streamline the requests and recruit help. I reached out to Brenda and suggested that we start a Facebook page and try to find help. She agreed that it would be helpful,” Tucker said.
The purpose of the Facebook page to was ask other members of the Glennbrooke community if they had extra supplies for masks in case either Fox or Tucker were to start running low. Some of the members didn’t even sew, but they wanted to help by giving them pre-cut patterns that they delivered.
“These ladies have truly been amazing in helping each other! It has been such a positive outlook for myself and everyone else in it,” Tucker said.
Tucker said that for just herself and her two daughters, she has made around 200 masks. She also plans to continue to make them as long as there is a need.
As for the destination for all the masks, many different local first responders are benefitting from the generosity from the Glennbrooke community.
“We have donated all that we have made. The places that we have sent them are Hospitals (they like to put them over their N-95 to extend the life of it), Veterinarian Clinics, Cancer Centers for patients getting treatments and essential workers that have requested them,” Tucker said.
As for the response, Tucker says it’s been overwhelmingly positive.
“Everyone has been amazing!! It is an emotional time and this has given me a hope that I needed! To feel as if we were able to do something,” Tucker said.
Tucker also had a lasting message for those who might be struggling through this tumultuous time.
“Think and pray about what you have in your life that you could use to encourage, lift, or help others through this season. I have been blown away by so many using their God-given talents and offering free courses on-line and other outlets that can be done from home. It has all been so inspiring. I’m so very proud of our community, and we will all get through this together,” Tucker said.
Tucker says she plans to continue to make masks as long as there is a need.
