#NeighborhoodHeroes: Mother and daughter make facemasks for DSUSD staff on the front lines
Mother and teacher with Palm Desert Middle School, Wende Hamann, and her daughter Karley, a student at La Quinta High School, are making facemasks for Desert Sands Unified School District staff on the front lines. These staff members are making and distributing thousands of meals.
Wende said, “So we thought, hey we have the time. A great project that has a purpose for the community and an opportunity to spend great time, quality time with my daughter, and teach her how to sew.”
Staff with DSUSD are helping to distribute nearly 20,000 meals to families a day. Wende said, "Our food service workers have run out of masks. And they’re obviously in the public and they’re handling the food and they need to be protected themselves.” Wende and her daughter said they are helping to keep themselves busy during this time while also being able to help the community. Karley said, “I learned how to sew and I loved every second of it. I think the best part is working my brain, doing something creative, and also hanging out with my mom.” Wende added, “It’s fun, it's therapeutic to do a craft, it’s really fun to do it together, but also to know it’s going to a good cause too.”
Wende said her dining room has been turned into a production line! They say they have enough supplies to keep busy for weeks, one thing they still need more of is time.
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“I think if we all in the community pitch in the little bit that we have. Whatever it may be or whatever it may look like. We can really see some beautiful things happening in horrible times” said Wende.
Celebrating #NeighborhoodHeroes
While the coronavirus crisis is keeping us apart, we know the Coachella Valley community is still coming together to help each other.
We are looking for those who are lending a hand during this uncertain time. Do you know of any everyday people who are going out of their way to help others? Have you seen someone find creative solutions to the new challenges we all face?
News Channel 3 wants to celebrate these neighborhood heroes. Tell us about them here. Enter HERE or email SHARE@kesq.com. If you see good happening on social media, share it with us, and tag it #neighborhoodheroes for us to see.
We are all in this together. Help us showcase the good that's happening right here in the Coachella Valley.
Kaiser recommends that those in the Coachella Valley who are elderly and have underlying health conditions, including individuals who are HIV positive, limit non-essential travel and avoid large public gatherings.
Health officials said anyone who thinks they might be experiencing symptoms of the virus and want to be seen at Eisenhower Health should call the hospital hotline first at 760-837-8988. Avoid the spread of this illness.
Residents with further questions can call 2-1-1 and 800–CDC –INFO (800 – 232 – 4636) with any questions.
Public health recommendations for all Riverside County residents during community spread:
Practice social distancing, which is remaining out of places where people meet or gather and avoid using public transportation, if possible.
Do not attend work, school or events when sick. Stay home.
Cough into your elbow or tissue.
Wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizer often.
Stay away from anyone who is sick.
