Northeast Mesa resident Rosie Portugal-Brastad is used to coming to the aid of families in need.
Rosie heads Project Help, a program that provides families in need with help for financial assistance, food, new and gently-used clothing, and other items that are donated by corporations, churches and individuals.
But sometime the healers need assistance.
When Rosie heard about the face mask shortage due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she reached out to Banner Goldfield in Apache Junction to see if the healthcare workers and support staff could use homemade, cloth face mask covers to prolong the life of the N95 face masks that are currently in short supply.
Rosie’s contact said they did need help so Rosie sat down behind her Bernia sewing machine and immediately went to work creating the colorful, washable items. She also received assistance from the Desert Harbor Community and local quilters, all from Apache Junction. Together they have made 381 masks.
“Banner Goldfield has been very supportive of Project Help, and it seemed only right that I should reach out and offer my help to protect these brave and hard-working healthcare workers,” said Rosie. “I believe what goes around, comes around.”
But it didn’t stop there.
After watching a YouTube video about making face shields, Rosie’s son, Bjorn Portugal-Brastad, decided to help as well. Fortunately, Bjorn had the materials and a 3D printer, so he was able to get to work right away. He created two prototypes for Banner Goldfield to choose from. They selected the shield that provided the most protection, and to date, Bjorn has created 40 shields.
It has taken him a little over 100 hours to create the face shields, but it has been time well spent. “I was really inspired by the man in the video,” said Bjorn. “He saw a need and decided to do something about it. After I watched the video I thought, ‘I can do that.’ Not everyone has a 3D printer, but I do, and I can help.”
Whether it consists of sewing mask coverings or constructing face shields, creating chalk art on neighborhood sidewalks with inspiring messages, or shopping for an elderly neighbor, there are a variety of ways to assist others.
For those who want to make a donation, or learn more about Project Help, visit ajusd.org. The facility is currently closed due to COVID-19, but donations can be mailed to Project Help, 195 E. Superstition Blvd., Apache Junction, AZ 85119.