CHESAPEAKE, Va. - Now that wearing masks is our new normal, the demand for them is even greater.
Two women in Chesapeake have been busy cranking them out - for free. One of their friends teamed up with News 3 anchor Kurt Williams to surprise them with a People Taking Action award.
With News 3 cameras rolling, we headed for the backyard of Vikki Broyles. One of her friends, Delores Downing, had arranged for us to meet Vikki and Marie Scalco for this presentation. We knocked on the backyard gate and at first, Vikki didn't know what to think.
We explained we had received an email sharing what she and Marie had been up to, and that's when Vikki, looking and laughing at Delores, figured it out.
"Because I know what she's done now. I know what she's done now. She came with the disguise of bringing us Starbucks," she said.
Yes, that's how Delores managed to get them in one location so I could present them with a People Taking Action award, along with a $300 Visa gift card from our community partner, Southern Bank.
Here's why - Vikki and Marie have been working night and day making a lot of masks as we continue to deal with COVID-19. Vikki explains how it all started.
"I thought I would do it for the ladies in church, you know, that'll be it," she explained. "I bought five yards of material... [it] went quick, and now we're over 2,000."
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Marie stresses that the masks are free.
"We don't charge anything, and it helps the needy and the people who can't afford it and it also helps us - it makes us feel good in our hearts," Marie said.
They've made all kinds of masks for so many different people and groups, Vikki points out, "We've done churches, we've done day care centers, assisted living [facilities]."
They've made them for nurses, local fire departments and teachers. Vikki, who for weeks has been busy on her sewing machine, is no stranger to taking action. She also make wreathes to support an animal rescue for which she's been raising money for eight years.
Both women were grateful for the recognition and were so appreciative for all the people who have sent in cash donations and provided sewing supplies.
To nominate someone for a People Taking Action Award, email us at takingaction@wtkr.com.
