an active army

MASKS

by Robert Mitchell and Hugo Bravo

The girls’ robotics team at Horizon Science Academy Columbus High School in Ohio was disappointed last month when officials canceled the state competitions because of COVID–19.

But two teachers at the charter school were determined to turn the bad break into something positive and help community groups such as The Salvation Army. The teachers used materials left over from the robotics program and the school’s 3D printers to design plastic masks, which have been in high demand since the outbreak.

Principal Ugur Zengince credited Mustafa Aytekin, an engineering teacher, and Nebi Sevim, the educational technology coordinator, for the idea after hearing Ohio Governor Mike DeWine talk about a shortage of masks.

“The teachers came to me indicating that they wanted to do their part to help the community in some way,” Zengince said. “We determined that we had capacity and resources to create 250–300 masks in school from the materials that were left over from the robotics program. Since the masks are plastic, they can be disinfected and easily reused, which extends their life span and usability.”

Zengince reached out to local non–profits and heard from Major Steven Ashcraft, area coordinator for The Salvation Army of Central Ohio. The Army received 100 of the 3D–printed masks.

“We have been struggling to find masks for our frontline workers who are continuing to serve those in need throughout this crisis,” Ashcraft said. “We truly appreciate the offer from Horizon Science Academy to donate these masks.”

The Salvation Army operates eight food pantries and an anti–human trafficking program in central Ohio. The masks will help keep workers safe as they deliver food and other necessities.

“We are so happy to be able to make this contribution to such a worthwhile organization,” said Zengince. “I know our girls were disappointed that they were not able to compete in the robotics competition at the state level. But at least they know that their program was still able to accomplish something very important.

“We didn’t know at the time if there would be an interest. Now we cannot even meet all the requests. We are just limited to the supplies.”

Zengince said the school is reaching out to other charities to see who else could benefit.

“Until we run out of supplies, we will continue that,” he said. “I believe we can do up to 200 or 300 masks. We have already done 200 so far.”

Horizon Science Academy Columbus High School, which opened in 1999, has been recognized by the state and federal departments of education. U.S. News & World Report named it the No. 3 charter school out of 142 in Ohio. MASK–UP is a program by the Salvation Army Women’s Ministries that provides masks for all members of the Army’s 36 Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARCs) in the USA Eastern Territory. Using online resources, the finished masks are distributed to the ARCs in most need.

THE SALVATION ARMY AND MASKS

MASK–UP is a program by the Salvation Army Women’s Ministries that provides masks for all members of the Army’s 36 Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARCs) in the USA Eastern Territory. Using online resources, the finished masks are distributed to the ARCs in most need.

The Salvation Army Greater New York Division (GNY) received a donation of 30,000 professional–grade cloth face masks at Territorial Headquarters (THQ) from the COVID–19 Life Preservation Initiative (LPI), a coalition of four American and three Chinese non–governmental organizations. The masks were delivered to Salvation Army officers, staff, and volunteers, as well as to residents or clients of corps programs who are most at–risk.

Sewing groups such as Quilts for Kids and the Advent Lutheran Church Quilters have teamed up with the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary in York, Pa. to sew masks for local hospitals and health centers. Masks have been provided to York Hospital, Hanover Hospital, Head Start of York County, and Salvation Army staff and volunteers.

MyPillow has donated 5,000 masks to The Salvation Army in founder Mike Lindell’s home state of Minnesota. Lindell has also directed that 75 percent of MyPillow’s production go toward making cotton face masks. He hopes to get his factories to create up to 50,000 masks a day, while creating a safe environment for his employees.

Due to COVID–19, the Salvation Army’s Greater Pittsburgh Women’s Auxiliary lost the opportunity to host its 33 rd annual Fabric event. Instead, they donated five cases of cotton fabric and elastics. This was enough to produce 1,000 masks for employees of Excela Health’s Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg, Pa.