5th GRADER MAKES MASKS FOR FIRST RESPONDERS AND OTHERS

A few years ago, when 5th Grader Laura Rodriguez was learning to sew, she never could have imagined how important that skill would become. In just the last three weeks, Laura has made 28 face masks for first responders, health care professionals and others in need, to help them protect themselves during the COVID-19 crisis. The shortage of protective gear has made them even more vulnerable during this difficult time.

Laura didn’t have to look far to see how she could help. Her father and her brother are both first responders and her brother had already been diagnosed with the virus. (Fortunately, he is better now). “My dad and my brother didn’t have masks and I was worried about them. I thought, ‘I can make them masks.’ So I made two for each of them.” Aware that many others who needed them weren’t able to buy masks, Laura began sewing masks for them as well. Her uncle, who is a doctor in a small private practice in upstate New York, had to use a dust mask with three coffee filters for a mask because he wasn’t able to obtain any. She made several for him and he will be sharing them with other health care professionals. Some New York City nurses whom her family knows had posted on Facebook that they needed masks and Laura is working on those masks now. She even made a mask for a young boy who has a health condition not related to the virus but one that requires him to get medical attention frequently.

Her fabric face masks are bright and cheery, and are made with love and care. Laura has been mailing the masks to people outside her home who need them. She already has a list of other nurses and professionals who need her masks. She plans on making 20 for each so that they can share them with the other health professionals in their units at local hospitals. Laura’s COVID-19 masks will help her receive her Bronze medal from the Girl Scouts later this year.

Like our other students, Laura is being taught remotely at home. But she is able to make the masks when she isn’t working on her studies. Her advice to others is simple. “Do whatever you can to help. It doesn’t matter if people are here or far away. You can do something for them.” Great advice from one of our own students. Bravo, Laura. You inspire us! We’re so proud of you. Keep up the great work!