BROKEN BOW–The world continues to face the COVID-19 pandemic and all of the challenges it brings. Residents of central Nebraska are also feeling the effects of the coronavirus during this time of health concerns, economic uncertainty, empty streets, and vacant playgrounds.
The City of Broken Bow has issued a local disaster declaration, schools have transitioned to off-campus learning, and countless businesses and city services have closed their doors to walk-in traffic and are instead serving customers over the phone, online, drive thru, and curbside pickup.
However, many local businesses are determined to show their appreciation to the individuals working the front lines during this medical crisis.
The Quilting Shack in Broken Bow is working with Omaha-based Fabric Bash to make surgical face masks to benefit the medical community. The University of Nebraska Medical Center has approved the pattern for the masks, which are to be worn over Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and can be washed and used again.
Susie Walker said the Quilting Shack is selling fabric at cost and asking local sewers to pitch in and drop off homemade masks. A yard and a half of fabric is being sold for $7 and includes a pattern to make nine masks. Walker said the Quilting Shack has sold out of elastic but is encouraging sewers to make use fabric ties instead.
In addition to medical professionals dealing directly with the coronavirus, Walker said it is also important to think of kids, cancer patients, the elderly, physical therapists and dentists performing emergency procedures, and nursing home patients and staff.
“There are lots of places that are still in need of these. And so if there are people out there that are in need of them, if I can get sewers to make them I have it available. We can’t sew fast enough here but I know there are lots of people out there that could sew. I’m just asking for whatever help that we can get. It’s just a way of paying it forward,” Walker said.
The Quilting Shack is located at 518 East South E St. and can be reached at 308-872-6221 or through the Quilting Shack Facebook page. Walker said they are sanitizing after each customer but are also accepting orders over the phone and have implemented car-side service.
“Whatever you need we’re here for you, we’ll keep you safe,” Walker said.
The Dairy Queen in Broken Bow is also giving back to local medical professionals. Mini blizzards have been delivered to the staff at Brookstone View and the Central Nebraska Medical Clinic. Craig Safranek said Dairy Queen wants to keep delivering treats to other facilities during this time as a way to say ‘thank you.’
“We’re targeting the health care workers that are facing the potential virus every day and they just keep doing their job,” Safranek said.
Central Nebraska Medical Clinic also posted on Facebook thanking Studio B Salon & Spa for its donation of gloves to the clinic.
This is just a small sample of what the community is doing to support one another during this time and together the people of Custer County will continue to thrive!
