Elementary Student Making Masks 'To Give Out': Palos Verdes Hero

RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented times. Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these everyday heroes.

This submission comes from Kathi Moen of Rancho Palos Verdes, who nominated Mayah Barrett:

Where the nominee lives:
Rancho Palos Verdes

Where the person who nominated the hero lives:
Rancho Palos Verdes

Name of the nominee:
Mayah Barrett

Name of the person who nominated the hero:
Kathi Moen

Is the nominee considered an “essential worker”?:
No

What does the nominee do for work?:
She's in 5th grade at Mira Catalina Elementary School and is 10 years old.

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?
Mayah’s Masks:

Mayah received a generous donation of fabric from one of our St. Peter's by the Sea church members, Mrs. Stacey Porter, from her mother, Carole Mitchell’s, sewing room. When the shelter in place order began, Mayah thought, "People all over the world may not have the option to buy themselves masks to protect themselves from COVID- 19." So Mayah decided to make fabric face masks using the fabric from Mrs. Mitchell, who was an active sewer herself, to give out to people in our community as well as her family. Mayah says, "Ever since I got a sewing machine from my grandmother, I have been working on projects like pants, blindfolds and Pokémon holders for my brother. And now, I can use my skill to benefit others."

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?:
Mayah thinks about others needs and then acts upon it. She spends her free time helping those in need in our community.

Thank you for all you do, Mayah!

>> Do YOU have a local hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here.

All photos included in this post are owned by identified third parties who have given Patch the right to use explicitly for the Patch Local Heroes series.