HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- One youth organization in Henrico County has found a way to give back to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic and learn valuable life skills.
A needle and a thread, along with a little patience, are three things you'll need Ms. Dorris Taylor’s sewing class. The retired Highland Springs High School teacher and designer is now showing teenagers how to create.
The teens are learning to sew and give back after COVID-19 put a halt on their original plans.
“We had set everything all up to have this great big fashion show and they were going to make their own outfits until everything shutdown," Elizabeth Charity, founder of Youth Corporation Inc., said.
The fashion show idea quickly switched to masks making for the community.
“We got right many people calling in our churches, in the local community, calling up to get the masks done," Charity said.
Charity said this is a great opportunity to learn entrepreneurship and meet an important need.
“So we want to teach them how to budget, save, spend and invest," Charity said.
Charity said while the sewing class is open to the community, she really wanted to focus on children in the juvenile jail system.
She added that they were looking at housing juveniles after the pandemic in a program that will allow them to learn skills such as construction, barbering, and even writing.
Depend on CBS 6 News and WTVR.com for the most complete coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 Precautions
Most patients with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms. However, in a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can lead to more severe illness, including death, particularly among those who are older or those who have chronic medical conditions.
COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person.
Virginia health officials urged the following precautions:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid contact with sick people.Avoid non-essential travel.