Community member donates masks to FCSO

The Falls County Sheriff's Department received a donation of fabric face coverings in order to help officers and other employees stay protected during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Celeste Johnson had been making masks free of charge for community members that wanted them, when a Falls County Jailer expressed a need for one. 

According to Judge Debra Trotter, who helped to coordinate the donation, Johnson then took it upon herself to ask how many people connected to the Falls County Jail  and Sheriff’s Office were in need of PPE. 

She and her mother, Patsy Body, worked tirelessly to hand make all 60+ masks. 

Supplies for elastic were low, so the seamstresses used ribbon instead, showing off their resourcefulness.

Patterns of the masks varied greatly, shining a bright floral red to dark navy green. Paw prints, cartoon animals, and sports versions were available as well, covering nearly the full rainbow with options. 

“We’re very grateful for the support,” said Deputy Chief Derick Johnson. 

The masks, accepted by those on-site, will be distributed to everyone that works for the department and those who work within the Falls County Jail. 

The Center for Disease Control suggests wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, especially with essential positions like healthcare and first responders. The use of simple cloth face coverings can help to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have it and do not know it from transmitting it to others. 

To learn how to make your own, head to cdc.com and check the “prevention” tab.