'It truly saved me': Woman says mask-making project helped her get through pandemic
Masks for Meredith project helps community charities
Masks for Meredith project helps community charities
Masks for Meredith project helps community charities
A New Hampshire woman says she has a new outlook on life after spending the past year making thousands of masks.
Not only has Leanne Brunelle's sewing helped front-line workers, but she is also giving back to the community in a big way.
What started as a way to ease her nerves when the COVID-19 pandemic began has now grown into .
"The anxiety of sitting and feeling so helpless, it was overwhelming, and it truly saved me," she said.
Portions of the sales from her masks go to a number of community charities, from the Meredith Food Pantry in New Hampshire to homeless shelters and local schools. She started sewing the masks in March, and her hobby has taken off.
"I sold 50 masks in a matter of a few minutes and the next day made another 50 to give to my sister-in-law," Brunelle said.
To date, Brunelle has sold close to 4,000 masks in 17 states and even sent some to London. The longtime sewer said she enjoys her craft, but it's a longtime friend who inspired her to continue.
"The person who is really the wind beneath my wings is Karen Nascembeni," she said.
Nascembeni lost her husband to COVID-19, Brunelle said. She was given the tragic news after fighting her own battle with the virus.
"If anyone can be grateful and anyone can rise up above this, it's just really, truly -- she's the one who keeps me going," Brunelle said.
As the pandemic continues and masks are now available practically everywhere, Brunelle still manages to be busy with custom orders. She said she has no plans of slowing down any time soon.
"It truly has changed my life," she said. "I am so much more grateful."
