Morningside Residents Answer Call for Face Masks
Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, residents at Morningside of Fullerton senior living community have been determined to give back to those in need. When the government announced efforts to combat the spread of the virus by encouraging everyone to wear masks, a group of 25 residents broke out their sewing machines and got to work.
Since April, the group has created more than 2,000 handmade, washable face masks for each resident and team member at Morningside and the adjacent health center, Park Vista (https://www.parkvista.net/).
Patsy Zima and Louise Shamblen are leaders of the group. Together, they ensure all requests are filled and material is sufficient.
“I can’t imagine that if another need in this community arises, there wouldn’t be community members who would step up and help,” Zima said. “I feel I’m paying it forward for everyone who’s ever helped me in this community. People really help one another here at Morningside.”
The group creates the masks in their homes and at a local drapery shop owned by another Morningside resident, Phyllis White. Along with the physical location, White provides the necessary equipment to create the masks. Residents make the masks while social distancing and sporting their own masks.
“As long as people need these masks, we’ll continue to make them,” said White. “It’s a group effort, and everyone’s role is very important to the mission.”
In addition to the standard face masks, Zima has created a special face mask for residents with hearing aids. The donations have become a family affair, as Zima’s daughter and son-in-law have provided a helping hand in cutting donated fabric for thousands of masks.
Each mask is made with love and thoughtfulness by residents who are concerned about the health and well-being of everyone at Morningside and Park Vista. Being able to give back and participating in group activities are benefits of living at a Life Plan (https://www.morningsideoffullerton.com/benefits/) Community like Morningside.
During times like these, it truly takes a village, and this group is a perfect example of overcoming adversity by coming together.
