(ROCKVILLE) – Rockville Correctional Facility Warden Julie Stout marshaled together a group of staff affectionately nicknamed, “The Betsy Ross Brigade” to sew masks for donation to the Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis.
Eighty child-sized masks were manufactured for children at Riley’s Children’s Hospital’s Primary Care Unit. Another eighty masks were made for expectant mothers at Indiana University Health West Hospital. The children’s masks featured characters including Thomas the Train Engine, Strawberry Shortcake, penguins, and monkeys, and were crafted from materials donated by local Parke County citizens.
The Betsy Ross Brigade used their personal sewing machines, irons, and ironing boards to do the work. Some volunteered their off-duty hours continuing working on masks at home.
Additional masks constructed from materials donated by the public, facility staff, and from Joann Fabrics in Indianapolis were distributed to staff throughout the facility.
All this work was accomplished over an intense four-day period.
Deputy Warden of Re-Entry Pam Ferguson, herself a member of the Brigade, commented, “They (the Betsy Ross Brigade) are an amazing group of people who gave their time and talent to answer a need and it is VERY much appreciated.”
RCF offenders have been provided masks made by Indiana Correctional Industries offenders at the Miami Correctional Facility. This donation did not impact offender or staff’s access to personal protective equipment.
