By Carly Rutledge
With the gaining spread of COVID-19 across the nation, there’s an ever-growing need for protective face masks. Noticing the deficiency in supplies, NCACPA member Sabrina Cook, CPA, and her eight-year old daughter got to work making dozens of masks for the community. I had the opportunity to chat with Sabrina about her work.
Sabrina Cook and her daughter Josie are creating basic hospital masks using two sheets of cotton fabric. Sabrina’s inspiration for making the masks stemmed from social media where she saw her peers participating in the charitable craft. Reading controversial posts regarding the usefulness and need for masks in the medical community, she was torn. That is until Sabrina saw the responses from people in the medical community who urged commenters to continue supplying masks. They voiced their concerns about wearing the same masks all day and in some cases, reusing masks. Sabrina was quick to respond to this small white flag.
As a constituent of the crafting community, I’d heard numerous stores were donating supplies so people could seam masks. I asked Sabrina about her resources.
Sabrina uses her own supplies. At first, she thought it would be easiest to start with a kit, but when Joann’s Fabrics announced they were sold out, she got creative. Sabrina browsed the internet before finding a tutorial that allowed her to utilize the supplies she had on hand.
Her growing supply of fabric masks isn’t limited to those working in medical facilities. “‘My sister works in a nursing home and she was asking for them. So, I thought well I sew and have tons of extra fabric so that would be a great way to contribute,” recalls Sabrina.
How does she decide where to donate the masks? The same place her inspiration started. “People who have seen my social media posts have been asking for them, so I’ve been giving to them specifically. Since my sister works in a nursing home, I’ve been giving them to her and to my business coach whose daughter works in healthcare.” In addition to friends and family, Sabrina said she’s given several to “other random people who have asked.”
Sabrina isn’t alone in supporting her community during this uncertain time. There’s a generous spirit in the accounting community, and we encourage everyone to provide support as they are able.
Want to give back and get involved? There are countless ways to give back while maintaining your safety. Learn more about NCACPA’s Volunteer 365 initiative, and how YOU can get involved!
Already lending a hand? Share your experience using our Participation Recap Form to encourage others to get involved and provide some much-needed positivity.