McDonough resident, Patti Reim, is working to evolve with the coronavirus developments by providing an alternate product from within her small business. 

  Since 2011, she has run a small business called Crystal Reminders, making T-shirt blankets, memorial pillows, blankets, bears, and more. 

  As COVID-19 has impacted many businesses, both large and small, and their operations, Reim has had to shift her perspective as to what products she might be able to provide to the community during this time.

  “I was concerned that my business, like a lot of small businesses, would suffer. I am normally busy making graduation blankets, but we are not sure about graduations and finances are tight,” said Reim. 

  As such, Reim began to consider how she could use her skills and materials to make an impact. 

  “When I saw that there is a need and I could use my gift of sewing, it was an automatic response,” said Reim. 

  She put a call out on Facebook for those that might be in need of face masks and the community answered.

  “I threw it on Facebook and saw the response I got,” said Reim. “Within minutes of posting, people said ‘I can’t sew, but I can donate what you need to make this happen.’”

  Friends of hers on Facebook began requesting masks for family members that are first responders, individuals with children that have underlying conditions such as asthma, and those that must go out in public for various reasons. 

  She often provides more masks than requested, encouraging her recipients to pass on an extra mask to someone else in need. 

  “I am providing masks as God gives me direction,” said Reim. 

  Reim does ask for a $5 donation for necessary materials, but funds are available for those that are unable to pay that amount.

  As of Friday, March 27, she had made about 40 masks and has supplies for at least 150 more.

  “I will continue as long as supplies are available,” said Reim.

  Despite new developments regarding a lack of necessary supplies in area stores, she remains faithful that God will provide needs that she will be able to fulfill. 

  “This is a faith based business,” said Reim. “God will provide.” 

  Reim uses 100% cotton tea towels to make her masks and adds a pocket so that extra filtration can be added to the masks for increased effectiveness.  

  “These masks are intended for those who must be in public for essential reasons,” said a disclaimer included with the masks created by Reim. “Please continue to follow CDC guidelines of social distancing and handwashing.”

  Reim receives assistance making the masks from her 12 year-old goddaughter, Kamari Ham-pton. 

  Hampton enjoys spending time with Reim and making the masks for those in need within the local community. 

  “It’s nice because it can help other people and I like helping,” said Hampton. “I iron and I like to use the sergers too.” 

  As of Sunday, March 29, Reim has distributed 95 masks. 

  Reim hopes, in all of this, that she can look back and be proud of the positive difference that she was able to make during the coronavirus outbreak. 

  “What do I want to remember 10 years from now? I believe we have the ability to influence what we remember even 10 years from today. I want to remember that I gave hope,” said Reim. “In all the things that are going bad, we can help people. When I look back, I want to remember that I made a difference.”