Creating, Donating PPE : Bridgeport Hero

BRIDGEPORT, CT — 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 Stephanie Esteves, who has nominated Louise Maldonado.

Where the nominee lives:
Bridgeport

Name of the nominee:
Louise Maldonado

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

What does the nominee do for work?:
retiree

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?
My aunt is retired (in her 70's) and sews as a hobby. I work for a not for profit that supports people with disabilities in congregate settings in the communities across CT. Direct Support Professionals are not classified as Healthcare professionals so personal protective equipment is being allocated to healthcare settings first despite these people working with some of the most vulnerable of our population and providing personal care and sometimes administering medical treatments. My aunt has volunteered to sew masks for our support staff and has been donating regularly. Recently I told her we had a need for isolation gowns and she immediately volunteered to sew for us. She is donating her time and her materials. My uncle says she works all day on the things we need so that the people we support and their caregivers do not go unnoticed.

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?:
My aunt is very humble and acknowledgement and gratitude are all the thanks she needs and she will work as hard as she can to give back

>> 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.