On March 23rd, 2020, Pennsylvania was changed forever when Governor Tom Wolf ordered a statewide shutdown over COVID-19.

Everyday life ceased to exist as we came to know it with millions of citizens learning how to adapt to this frightening situation.  Everyday routines such as schooling, shopping, and workplaces were closed down. Doctors and other medical professionals are now risking their own health to save ours. They’re heroes for their contribution to find a cure, but behind the scenes there are many who are also doing whatever they can to help. Boyertown student Wyatt Painter’s cousin, Denise Bucciaglia, is one of these people. She sews masks in her free time.

“I felt that I was doing my part,” Denise Bucciaglia said. “During the peak of the pandemic, I had a lot of free time on my hands and since I knew how to sew, I was putting my sewing skills to use to create cloth face masks.”

The face masks Denise makes will be donated to local hospitals to help protect health care workers so they have more protection and safety towards this deadly virus. As she continues her hobby of sewing, she hopes one day to expand her gift to local schools and churches in the area. Although it may not seem like much, it really does make a big difference, and people like Denise are important if we want to make it out of this scary time. 

“At the end of the day, I’m happy that I’m pitching in to help those in need to keep them safe.  It’s better to stay optimistic as we continue to help our brothers and sisters have a positive spin on the COVID-19 pandemic,” Denise says. “This will one day be a great story to tell.”