'Beautiful Way To Pay It Forward': Rohnert Park Heroes

ROHNERT PARK, 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 Rohnert Park resident Ruthie Richardson, who nominated her son and daughter-in-law.

Where the nominee lives:

Rohnert Park

Name of the nominee:

Shelby Collard and Johnny Wasson

Is the nominee considered an "essential worker"?:

Yes

What does the nominee do for work?:

Seamstress

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?

Shelby has made over 450 masks for the community. Many were made when we really couldn’t find any!! For those who could afford one she asked for any donation they wanted to give. Those donations allowed her to be able to purchase more material to make some for those who could not afford a mask. It was such a beautiful way to pay it forward for many.

Then she had essential workers, nurses, doctors, public safety officers, medical assistants, seniors, caregivers, grocery clerks and more contacting her. Shelby and my son Johnny Wasson have worked endlessly for weeks to make sure everyone who contacted them on Facebook or in the neighborhood had one. All while caring for/ homeschooling their young boys. The two of them have made it a team effort to make as many masks as they can and donate to those who couldn’t afford one. If you take a look at their Facebook page you will see many feel as I do! These two in my book are heroes and are helping to slow the spread of this horrible virus.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?:

Some heroes are making the products that keep us safe! Shelby and Johnny, you are heroes! Thank you!

Thank you for all you do, Shelby and Johnny!

>> 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.