Our Park in Harlingen, EASTGATE RV & MH PARK is such a wonderful park.  We are all like family.  We may squabble like children, but when it comes down to it, we all take care of one another in need.

Several weeks ago one of our residents came home from the hospital, and our ladies formed a group called Mercy Meals.  Everyone took a day to bring her a meal, Someone walked her dog Cloe, and did her shopping.  These are things that are done many times through the years.  …..Neighbors helping Neighbors.….The men help each other with projects and make sure the single residents needs are fulfilled.  Since the Coronavirus arrived, we have had the Shelter in Place Rule, this has been the best place to be.  We can still walk, visit from the driveways but still maintain our distance.  Now we have the new rule ……

Alice, Jo (Cookie), Delores, Gloria, Cindy, Jean….Absent…Barbara, Sandra, and Sandy

THE COUNTY REQUIRES MASKS WORN IN THE PUBLIC.  No more than 2 people in the car, if so, you must both wear masks.  No Children under 14 in the car or in public, unless its an essential reason.  So again, residents are making sure everyone has their grocery’s.  These wonderful ladies are part of a Quilt group.  So How did this all begin…Gloria’s Daughter and family live in Harlingen.  She called her mom one day and was worried about them and all the people in Eastgate.   She wanted her mom to try to make some masks.  Well that’s all it took and this little group unfolded and started making masks.  Gloria did a lot of research on U Tube, and they found the pattern they wanted.  They started making them and offering them to park residents.  Before you know it, everyone was wanting one.  The ladies started an Assembly line.  Cindy uses the pattern to cut the material.  The Masks have an outer and an inside lining .  Then it goes house to house as each step progresses, including inserting a small pipe cleaner in the nose area, so it can be fitted around the nose. 

The last person to receive it is Jean.  She takes old T-shirts and cuts 1″ pieces around the body of the shirt.  Then when you stretch them out, they are a perfect tie string.

It is then threaded through the channels on each end of the mask so that it can be tied behind the head.  All of the material has been from their stashes or donated.  Some people like elastic instead.  Now elastic is so hard to find.  I went shopping one day thinking I would buy them some elastic.  Walmart has no elastic, their notions department is cleaned out.  No hand or machine needles.  Its crazy.  Hobby Lobby has closed, so they make do with what they have.

Now Theresa seen this pattern and made these.  They are used with the elastic masks.  They fit on the back of your neck to take the pressure off your ears.  Their so cute and colorful.  They were also given to anyone who wanted them.

The ladies  have been doing this going on 3 weeks.  They have made around 500 so far.  They have given them to anyone in the park who has asked.  I sent 4 to my daughter and friend in New York, another lady asked for one for her cousin who is a Marine.  They ended up giving her 12 to send for the whole unit.  Many people have sent them to family members up north.  Cindy works for the Food Pantry.  They only do drive through now.  They hand them out to anyone in the car who needs one.  They also supply the homeless with all their needs including the masks.  Frank, who also works with Cindy asked for one for his Grandma.  She is a Dallas Cowboy fan.  Cindy managed to find one and gave it to her.  Frank said his Grandma Cried...She was so Happy...Frank also gave 2 to 2 disabled guys he tries to take care of.  They were happy because the nearest store they go in wouldn’t let them in without masks.

Childs size and an Adult

Then they had a Doctors Office contact them.  Quite a few went to them.  Also a Health Care facility in Harlingen ordered 50.  They picked them up and ordered another 50.  While I was with the ladies today, the facility called and said they would be over tonight to pick up the second 50 and they ordered another 150…..OMG….So the ladies will be…. busy busy… this week.  They do not charge anyone.  If you insist, they will take donations.  Aren’t they just amazing.  I know we are all so lucky to be living in Eastgate.  No matter what,  Eastgate is always here to help.

……YOU LADIES ARE AWESOME…..Thank You…..

So if anyone local needs a mask, just contact us.  They will supply them.  Just local, no shipping.  It looks like we may all be using them for awhile.  Such strange times we live in…   But ….

WE LIVE IN THE BEST PLACE…..FRIENDLY EASTGATE RV & MH PARK