Judy Vacula just wanted to help out during the COVID-19 crisis.

She used one of her favorite hobbies to help make a difference in the lives of many locals. Vacula, who was born and raised in Tamaqua, started making masks last month.

“I sew, knit, quilt and do all kinds of that stuff,” Vacula said. “I had a couple of groups across the country on my Facebook page that I saw were already doing it. It’s not just me in Tamaqua, either, there’s a couple of other people too. There are friends of mine that are doing it and we’re sharing the fabric.”

Vacula works in the health care administration field. She noticed people close to her were in need, so Vacula and a few other local friends collectively went to work.

“My priority list was originally health care workers, essential people, and then people that are compromised. I had 15 or so available and I said that I would make more. I wasn’t accepting payment for it, because it was my contribution for helping to get this (COVID-19 pandemic) resolved.”

Vacula has been knitting for quite some time.

“I don’t even remember a time that I didn’t … going as long back as I can remember, my grandmother had me do quilting. My mom likes to crochet, I don’t like to crochet, I like to knit. I learned how to do it a long time ago, I can’t honestly tell you when. I can’t remember not knowing how.”

She didn’t have all of the necessary tools last month, but the community, family and friends have been generous. “In the beginning I didn’t have any straight pins. Then people donated pins to me. … People keep donating stuff. … Next thing I know, I have machine needles and a lot of things donated over the place. We split it around and get what we need.”

One weekend, Vacula broke her own personal record and made 60 masks.

“I do them in groups. I did time myself once to make a set of three masks and it takes me about 30-35 minutes to completely do three masks in the way that I do it.”

Vacula and her group of friends will continue to help out - and she just wanted to say thanks to everyone involved. “There are so many people helping me out, and I don’t want to forget anyone. I really want to thank everyone.”