Veterans Affairs Volunteer Services (VAVS) at the Eugene Towbin VA Medical Center at North Little Rock has committed to support the VA Mental Health Services with equipment and supplies for approximately 100 in-patient veterans to make cloth masks in a therapeutic environment.
The United States Daughters of 1812 (U.S.D. 1812) recently donated a sewing machine to the agency to help with the project. VAVS places a bronze donation plaque on the machines, according to a news release.
The center needs sewing machines, fabric and other sewing supplies to make masks following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.)
Also needed are volunteer instructors. The masks will be used by VA staff, volunteers and others. The project will also engage veterans while they are restricted during this COVID-19 isolation period, according to the release.
Sewing machines are in short supply and are in back-order status from online suppliers. Elastic and suitable fabrics are also in short supply, according to the release.
Michael Dobbs is chief of voluntary services at Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System.
“We feel this will give veterans something to learn while giving to others,” Dobbs said. “We appreciate everyone’s support in the lives of veterans.”
People who want to learn about volunteering or how to contribute, may contact voluntary services at 501-257-3288.
U.S.D. 1812 has been serving Arkansas since 1908. For information on the patriotic activities of U.S.D. 1812, contact the organization’s national chairwoman, Sheila Beatty-Krout, at beattykrout@suddenlink.net.