#NeighborhoodHeroes: Messages in yarn going up around Desert Hot Springs

A resident of Desert Hot Springs put up signs made out of yarn throughout the community. Stephanie Buriel calls herself a yarn bomber. She said you decide on a design you want to make, work on it, and put it out in the community for people to enjoy. She's used to putting up signs with messages behind them, made of yarn, throughout the community. She said, "I am just spreading a message of love, you know. Love yourself, love others."

Now, because of the coronavirus pandemic, she is using those messages to spread encouragement to those who see the sign in person or on social media. Specifically about her sign that says "we are all in this together" she said, "Basically we are all going through the same thing. We’re all experiencing the same things at home, or we’ve been laid off, or we have the kids at home all day. I mean, whatever it is, we are all going through the same thing so I thought it was an important message to send to the community."

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She said there are eight signs up in the community with three of them inspired by coronavirus. All of the signs are put up in areas where she was granted permission and area with more traffic, so more people can see them. She said, "I have one that says 'kiss this virus goodbye' because I think we should all be doing our part to get rid of this thing or at least see it through until they get a vaccine." The third coronavirus sign has "we'll rise above this" written out with three people crocheted wearing masks above it.

She said there are eight signs up in the community with three of them inspired by coronavirus. All of the signs are put up in areas where she was granted permission and area with more traffic, so more people can see them. She said, "I have one that says 'kiss this virus goodbye' because I think we should all be doing our part to get rid of this thing or at least see it through until they get a vaccine." The third coronavirus sign has "we'll rise above this" written out with three people crocheted wearing masks above it.

Each sign generally takes Buriel 40-50 hours to make. Sometimes, it could take even longer depending on the difficulty of the sign. Normally, she's able to make two a month. With coronavirus stay at home orders, she was able to make five signs in the month of April, with four designs she is planning on making for the month of May.

She expressed a simple message to the community. She said, "Somebody out there is thinking about you and wants to encourage you."

Here's where you can go out and see a few of the signs, including the coronavirus inspired ones, yourself:

• We Are All In This Together: Desert Hot Springs High School
• Kiss This Virus Goodbye: Located on 11691 West Dr.
• We'll Rise Above This: On the corner of Desert View Ave. and Mountain View
• She Is: Located near 65810 Hacienda Ave. (The address is on Hacienda but to see the sign go to the back of that address on Flora.)
• Dream - Bubbling Wells Elementary School

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.