In the midst of the global pandemic, two students are using their skills with a goal of helping others.
Katelynn Schulte, sophomore in marketing and entrepreneurship, said she and her roommate saw the effects COVID-19 had on essential workers and wanted to assist.
“Once COVID-19 really took off we started to see how hard of a time essential workers were having trying to get a hold of masks to protect themselves from the virus,” Schulte said. “Since we knew that we could help provide masks to these people we got everything set up and haven’t slowed down since.”
Schulte said each mask is disinfected, packaged and shipped out after being constructed.
“I think our main goal with this project is to help minimize the spread of the virus as much as we possibly can,” Schulte said. “We also try to spread awareness that staying home can save someone’s life right now.”
Schulte said the masks made for essential workers are given out at no cost and masks made for personal use are sold for a low price.
“Most of our orders come from essential workers that range from restaurant workers and grocery clerks to nurses and doctors that are on the frontlines,” Schulte said. “We do however make masks for personal use as well since the CDC has recommended using masks anytime you’re out. Personal masks are $6 to help with the costs for essential workers since we give those away at no cost.”
Austin McDowell, freshman in public relations, said he knew his roommate could sew and he was excited to learn, so the two set their plans and got to work.
“We couldn’t bear the thought of people going to work everyday, putting their life on the line for us and not having the proper personal protection equipment,” McDowell said.
McDowell said the goal for him is to help keep others safe and healthy.
“We just want to thank all the workers who are still going to work,” McDowell said. “These people are the reason we keep doing this, even after we are tired. I am so happy to be able to supply masks to these incredible people.”McDowell said for those interested in helping with the service project, they are accepting donations of 100% cotton fabric or one-eighth inch elastic, donors can email kas0113@uab.edu for more information.
