With healthcare facilities in the community reporting a shortage of medical masks, SUNY Broome’s own Diana Lenzo and Rhoda Neal pitch-in!

Diana Lenzo at her sewing machine work station

In response to the overwhelming need for PPE for healthcare workers, Diana, Assistant to the President, and Rhoda, Secretary to the Vice President of Academic Affairs, both have been working hard to make over 400 masks for donation to the nursing staff at HCA – Helping Celebrate Abilities. 

“We’re helping give back when the community is in crisis.” Diana explains. “Even if the mask can only be used once, it is another barrier that may stop our first responders and medical staff from contracting COVID 19. If they can put their lives on the line, I can use my talents to help them stay healthy and protected.”

Rhoda, who has been helping by cutting fabric to the required specifications for use in healthcare, says, “It is important to me to help in any way that I can. My daughter works in healthcare, and my cousin and grandson’s mother, they all work on the front lines helping those who are ill.” 

Rhoda Neal shows fabric ready to be sewn into masks.

If you’re interested in joining the cause, Diana says, “there are Facebook pages for our area where you can go to pitch-in, or you can contact me directly. There are many ways you can help, even if you can’t sew.”

“I am very proud to live in this area,” she says, “We have seen in the past what our community can accomplish when the need is great. It is heartwarming to see how the community has come together again.”

Face masks ready for donation!