La Porte boutique sews face masks to help local first responders

LA PORTE, Ind.--  Supply is not meeting demand when it comes to masks needed by first responders in the fight against the coronavirus.

One local boutique in La Porte is trying to help and arm essential workers by sewing and donating face masks.

During normal business hours, Patti Pearson is busy making children's clothing at the pink sheep boutique in La Porte.

Today, you can find her practicing her 'sewcial distancing' and making face masks for La Porte County first responders.

“I've never sewn a mask before this. It was a learning curve but we got it done," said Pearson.

Amidst a national shortage of face masks, Pearson believes no first responder should fight the invisible battle against COVID-19 without any protection.

“We just want to keep people safe. Even if its only a marginal difference, its better than nothing and no one should fight an invisible war with no defense at all," said Pearson.

Pearson is fighting her own battle but she's not letting it stop her from helping others.

“We’ve had to cancel all of our craft shows. That’s like 75 percent of our income. This is so much more important. People need these," said Pearson.

Pearson has already donated over 150 masks to local departments, including the La Porte Fire Department and shes not stopping there.

“For the guys that have had to wear them so much, they say they fit really well. They actually form well so the car has been taken into this so its really nice. It is truly heartfelt that people can drop this off thinking of our safety while we take care of others," said La Porte firefighter Zach Kanney.

Pearson needs elastic to continue to make and donate masks. 

If you would like to donate to her cause, click here.