By: W.A. Davis, St. Mary’s Arts Council
Our Monday Spotlight is shining brightly on the Outreach Committee of the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary!
Usually we feature just one artist a week but today we have a very special group to recognize. These talented crafters have dedicated countless hours and materials in order to help others. At the time of this publication, over 750 cloth face masks have been designed, sewn, and distributed (for free!) to local first responders, medical staff members, nursing homes, community members, and many more.
The Outreach Committee holds a “sew and stuff” group that typically meets twice a month in person, but now stay connected through other means. Their primary focus has been making blankets, hats, neck pillows, etc. for the Maryland State Fireman’s Association to distribute to firefighters and their family members undergoing treatment for cancer. Their generous gifts have helped to lift spirits and bring comfort to those who have cared for us.
In mid-March of this year the word was out that face masks were in need for local medical personnel and others, however a shortage of supplies and resources presented challenges. Despite fabric shops being closed, a scarcity of elastic comparable only to the empty shelves of toilet paper and hand sanitizer, this crafty group pooled their resources and started creating. Those unable to sew could sort and cut fabric, which was then forwarded to those who could stitch together the final products.
This project has truly been a labor of love in which over 1500 hours (and more as we speak) have been collectively counted! Each mask is different and packaged with them comes both spoken and unspoken messages of “We care” “We want to help” “You are important”.
Shine on dear members of the L.V.F.D. Auxiliary, thank you for sharing your talents and gifts with others!
To donate needed supplies (got elastic?!), learn more about this amazing group and how you can help, or would like to contact them please visit their Facebook page @lvfdauxiliary or email Jennifer Stotler at: jenlvfda@gmail.com