VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - She is a mask-making mom, creating hundreds of facial coverings for local hospitals, churches, family and friends - and News 3 surprised her at home with a People Taking Award.
When we showed up at her door, Fran Whitehead was stunned to learn her daughter, Patti McCune, sent us the following email.
"Dear Kurt, I would like to nominate my 77-year-old mother and best friend, Fran Whitehead, for WTKR's People Taking Action Award," the email began.
Patti wanted us to know how her mom has been busy since the coronavirus outbreak making masks, donating them to local hospitals, charities, the elderly, family and friends. And, as Fran is adamant, all at no charge.
"And I don't want them to have to pay for anything, so... [it] makes me feel good. It's my contribution to society, I guess," she explained.
When she started out, she had one goal: "Maybe a hundred, I thought it was doing a lot then. I thought that would be my max, but then they were kinda easy and I kept making more and then people started donating fabric and more fabric."
She's now up to 770 masks and showing no signs of slowing down.
"Maybe I'll get to a thousand. I'm getting there, but this is ongoing, so I may surpass a thousand," she said.
Related: Hampton girl makes essential packs for Sailors in need
For those reasons, News 3 presented Fran with a People Taking Action award. She was very grateful.
"Thank you so much! That's really unexpected!"
Plus, we also presented her with a $300 Visa gift card from our community partner, Southern Bank.
"Wow! Thank you so much! It's unreal! I can't believe this!"
To nominate someone for a People Taking Action Award, email us at takingaction@wtkr.com.
