Austin Furniture Store Redirects Focus Amid Coronavirus

AUSTIN, TX — Austin's Couch Potatoes, a family-owned furniture maker, has redirected its manufacturing operations to creating masks and gowns to help ease the personal protective equipment shortage crisis, officials said.

In late March, the company issued an appeal for the community with a GoFundMe fundraiser soliciting donations to help finance efforts to help those battling the disease on the frontlines of the fight.

Hoping to double its efforts amid increased demand for personal protective equipment — PPPE in the medical parlance — the comany's plea for donations was aimed to help cut the cost of masks from $1 to $0.50 each in terms of production costs. To date, the company has raised $10,399 of a $100,000 goal, and continues working to make these materials available to those who need it most.

In addition to that effort, the company recently began offering at-home sewing kits for those wanting to sew needed garments. The goal is to create 1,500 masks and 6,000 gowns using the company's at-home kits. The company stated the idea is for each volunteer to sew 50 masks at home using the kits, with the store arranging the drop off of materials and pick up of masks. For those interested in donating, or for questions, email donate@austincouches.com or visit the Austin's Couch Potatoes website.