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Mask makers continue to come to the aid of others as the coronavirus takes its toll around the world.
On Wednesday, the Beijing-Friendship Association USA donated 1,000 masks to the South Pasadena Senior Center in support of the elderly.
Outside the structure under idea weather conditions, Sabrina Li, a South Pasadena resident Sabrina Li, the vice president of the organization, made the donations of the face coverings. “She was so determined to donate to her community and made sure her group would be able to,” said South Pasadena Community Service Director Sheila Pautsch, who oversees the Senior Center.
Li was accompanied by Yuming Shen, president of the Beijing-Friendship Association USA, and its past president, Chengw XU. The Association has been gathering donations and dispersing items to local communities in need of supplies of personal protective equipment.
Pautsch said members of the Senior Commission and city staff who check on South Pasadena seniors and deliver meals will use of the masks. Homebound seniors will be provided masks if they need them.
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, Pautsch said life at the Senior Center has gone through an extreme change. “Though staff are on site answering phones, preparing meals, delivering lunches and transporting passenger, it is just not the same seeing and talking with the seniors on a daily basis in person,” she explained. “Staff really miss the seniors and can’t wait for the day we re-open. That day will be extremely emotional for staff and seniors.”
Pautsch said members of the South Pasadena Senior Center are resilient and strong are handling the crisis “day-by-day and I think better than the younger residents. The seniors of South Pasadena are remarkable. I believe many grew up in a time where crisis was all around them.”
Following a brief presentation by the organization, South Pasadena Mayor Robert Joe, Councilmember Michael Cacciotti and city staff and members of the Beijing Friendship Association USA gathered for a photo.
