The Libraries steps up its volunteerism in times of need

Coronavirus-related volunteerism has been a heightened priority for many of us throughout the year, and the Community Service Committee has been likewise busy on behalf of the Libraries. 

Remember way back in April, when everyone suddenly needed masks and suppliers were sold out of them? The Crafting for Charity (C4C) group pounced on that need, meeting virtually to put their crafting skills to charitable use. Ten participants got together in a Zoom and made masks for an assortment of groups including an equine veterinarian, the Apex Police Department, the WakeMed Raleigh Campus, and NCDPS Prison Healthcare. The group also made mask mates and ear savers for the Central Continuing Care Nursing Home, blankets for the Wake County Project Linus chapter, and knitted preemie hats for UNC Rex Healthcare.

Beth Ashmore and Tessa Minchew took the lead on organizing the group, and Christenna Hutchins, Danica Lewis, Dharini Baskaran, Hannah Rainey, Laura Abraham, Niqui O'Neil, Tisha Mentnech, and Tori Culler participated. NC State news covered the committee’s work in a story about mask-making across the university. A C4C group convened again in July.

The Community Service Committee has been maintaining a working document of current opportunities for COVID-related volunteerism. Check it out and sign up for something!

Other Libraries departments have also been involved. Led by Justin Haynes and Colin Nickels, the Makerspace team has produced and assembled face shields using the laser cutter and 3D printers, as well as hand tools and textiles equipment. The completed shields have been donated to both on-campus PPE representatives as well as some local health care workers. Tom Derosier has also been making surgical mask straps that medical workers can use to hook a mask's loops around the back of one’s head to alleviate the irritation that straps can cause around the ears.

If you have been volunteering in some way that we haven’t written about, let External Relations know! And if you have been wanting to pitch in, visit the committee’s working doc to see what opportunities are out there.