Skyelar Speck, an 11th grade student at Union Grove High School, is already working to make a difference in her community by making masks for first responders.

  Skyelar began making protective masks after hearing about first responders that are in desperate need of masks.

  “I overheard a conversation between my mom and her friend, who is a nurse, about the low supply of masks and how not all the employees are getting them, so I suggested that I start making some for them,” said Skyelar.

  As a result, since March 13, Skyelar and her grandmother, Kathy Mortby, have been making masks for first responders in Henry County.

  “My grandmother has been wanting to teach me to sew throughout the years and, for the masks, I had a chance to put that knowledge to work,” said Skyelar. “It has been a great bonding experience with her.”

  To get started, she received donations of supplies from friends and family. After her mother began posting on Facebook about Skyelar’s mission, supplies began pouring in.

  “From there, we started receiving donations of fabric and elastics from different people everywhere,” said Skyelar.

  A lot of research went into making sure the masks met the needed specifications.

  “We started with prototypes from videos offline, which evolved into research of a more efficient and better way to make the masks,” said Skyelar. “We talked with a few nurses we know and everything checked out.”

  After finishing her schoolwork each day, Skyelar takes time to work on making the masks.

  “It takes approximately four hours to prep and complete around 30 to 40 masks,” said Skyelar.

  She also makes kits of mask supplies for groups to sew masks in order to speed up production time.

  “In the kits, there is elastic for the ear bands, pipe cleaners for the nose pieces, stabilization filters, and both sides of fabric,” said Skyelar. “This allows the group who helps sew the masks to be able to get more masks hemmed in a shorter time.”

    As of April 16, she has made 496 masks, which have gone to fire stations in McDonough, Piedmont Henry Hospital, Kaiser Permanente in Henry County, chiropractic and physician offices, a home healthcare facility, and 80 have been sent to nursing homes in Michigan.

  Skyelar’s family is very proud of her efforts to help first responders and claim that she is an inspiration to others.

  “It is very inspiring to see her want to help,” said Kristine Speck, mother of Skyelar. “Her father, brother and I have all helped prep when we can. She is setting a great example for her younger brother, JJ.”

  Kristine states that her daughter has a giving spirit and has dedicated much of her time volunteering in many different organizations over the years.

  “Skyelar has a drive and determination in every aspect of life. She has always been one who would give back,” said Kristine. “From raising $10,000 with her brother for Relay for Life during her elementary school years, to Operation Lunchbox, Kindness Works events, and helping at farms, her whole nature is admirable at how selfless she is, yet still always humble and sincere.”

  Skyelar hopes that others will see the benefits of lending a hand and volunteering within the community.

  “Lending a helping hand can help you make new friends, gather experience and, most importantly, give something back while thinking about others’ needs and not your own,” said Skyelar.

  In her efforts to make masks, she hopes to continue to be an example to others.

  “I hope to influence others my age to want to help others in need, even when not asked to,” said Skyelar.

  To volunteer or donate funds to make masks, visit Sewing Masks for Area Hospitals- Henry County Chapter on Facebook.