Some brothers and sisters of the Watford Stake have been involved in making scrubs (medical workers’ uniforms) and facemasks, particularly for their local surgeries and care homes.
Watford Ward’s efforts have been coordinated by Steve Hughes, with Marijah Butcher locating the needs in the community and Tina Vipond being their chief seamstress. They have had teams of families cutting material that has then been distributed to other members to sew. They have already produced 64 sets with bags and are in the process of producing more. They have donated scrubs and masks to Care Homes in Watford and to Watford General Hospital (where two members work), as well as to The Peace Hospice in Watford.
The Stake has also reached out to the community through the Watford Interfaith Association and social media, for both material and volunteers to help with the sewing. These new friends of the Church have also invited their friends, and so the project continues to grow. The Church has been featured in the ‘Carer's Week’ Newsletter of one care home.
In Aylesbury Ward, 40 sets of scrubs with bags have been made and delivered. Members have donated material as well as their time. Scrubs have been given to local care homes and surgeries, as well as to a Maternity Ward where one member works, and soon to a Dental Surgery where another member has seen a need. Members in Hayes Ward are also sewing.
One sewer and mother of three has been so grateful to do something to help. An 81-year-old sister was also glad to have something worthwhile to focus on while she has been in lockdown.
Watford Stake is very grateful to all who have contributed to this effort, however big or small.