It’s a little thing, but this hook makes life more comfortable for health care workers
Craft store owners in Ellenton and Bradenton had to temporarily close their businesses because of the coronavirus pandemic.
But rather than being sidelined, at least two of the companies have joined the fight against COVID-19 by cutting out plastic “S” hooks that health care workers can use to make wearing their protective masks more comfortable.
Essentially, the S hooks allow protective mask straps to be connected on the back of their head, rather than chafing against a health care worker’s ears.
“After a 12-hour shift your face is just raw,” said Jennifer Baurle of Painted Knot Do It Yourself in Ellenton
After learning that she could do something to make the lives of health care workers a little easier, Baurle began making them out of acrylic at home, using a laser cutter.
“We have given out 3,000 clips, and have sent them to Manatee Memorial, Blake Medical Center, Sarasota Memorial, All-Children’s Hospital, Tampa General Hospital, just a ton of different health care places,” Baurle said. “People message me with a request and then I let them know when they are ready.”
Baurle can be reached at thepaintedknot@yahoo.com.
Also making S hooks are Jenn Bade and Jennifer Gunter of The Makers Mark and DIY Workshops, 6650 Cortez Road W., Bradenton.
“We started doing this two weeks ago and have donated 4,000 hooks so far. We are donating to anyone who has asked for them.,” Bade said.
Among recipients of clips from The Makers Market are Manatee Memorial, Blake, Eye Associates, and Coastal Orthopedics.
“The things we have seen in our community and people who want to help is amazing. I haven’’t seen anything like this since 9/11. Something so terrible can produce something beautiful,” Bade said.
The Makers Market DIY Workshops can be contacted at 941-216-3384.
Centerstone Bradenton, a hospital and addiction center, has received some of the S hooks being produced locally.
“The outpouring of support has done wonders for the health care workers. It represents the very best of our community. Our staff appreciates it greatly,” said Susanne Santangelo, director of marketing for Centerstone.
This story was originally published April 10, 2020 at 10:13 AM.
