Phil Helmuth ’76, volunteer development coordinator with Mennonite Disaster Services, helped to coordinate production of homemade masks for first responders in Harrisonburg. The masks were donated to the Harrisonburg Fire Department, which will disperse them around the city.
Helmuth, who lives in Harrisonburg, was able to organize more than 60 volunteers from the Mennonite community with the help of Rich Rhodes, chair of the Shenandoah Valley MDS Unit.
Sewers included Old Order Mennonites, residents at Virginia Mennonite Retirement, and members of Dayton Mennonite Church, Park View Mennonite Church, Community, Zion Mennonite Church, and Lindale Mennonite Church.
The masks were made using design recommendations from Virginia
Commonwealth University.
Dressed Up Threads, a business located in Dayton and owned by Faith Smith, donated the material, recruited eight volunteers to cut it to size and package it for individual sewers to go to work.
“We are very grateful to volunteers who stepped up to provide either talents, time or material,” HFD Interim Chief Stephen Morris said. “With personal protective equipment at a premium, these masks will be critical in protecting our first responders during this unprecedented time.”
The group has promised up to 1,000 of the homemade masks over the next several weeks. For individuals or groups interested in assisting in making PPE for City first responders, please contact the Harrisonburg Fire Department, Monday through Friday, at 540-432-7703.
If you’d like to contribute, check with your local health authorities to determine the need and the required materials.
Note: Phil Helmuth is the former executive director of development and church relations at EMU.