CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The volunteers and supporters with Operation Come Together are helping to lead the fight against COVID-19 as they sew and distribute masks and shields to protect first responders and others in the community.

Victoria Shoulders, founder of Operation Come Together #stayhomeandsew, said they have over 4,000 requests to fill for health care, daycare, and other essential workers.

At this time volunteers are working to fill a request as soon as possible for 305 masks for the Clarksville Police Department.  The group has already provided face shields for the police department.

A site has been set up at 327 Warfield Blvd., formerly Edington’s Etc., to drop off donated supplies and to pick up sewing kits.  Ten volunteers are needed at the site from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. every day to help with face shields.  Shoulders says with more volunteers and supplies they could produce 5,00 shields a day.

“This is what we call our headquarters. This location is accepting all donations to help the cause and if people can sew for our group and help distribute the masks they can pick up kits from the headquarters,” said Shoulders.

Shoulders added they don’t allow people inside, but volunteers will come outside to collect donations and pass out sewing kits to those who want to make masks.  Completed masks can also be dropped off at the Warfield Blvd. site so they can be cleaned and made ready for distribution.

All photos provided by Victoria Shoulders

Operation Come Together has also opened a distribution center at 1493 Madison St., the old Rite Aid Pharmacy building near Kroger.

Shoulders said it is a drive-up center where people who have filled out and been approved for their pre-ordered masks can pick them up in a safe way through the drive-up window of the former pharmacy.

“Without a confirmation number from us, you cannot drive-thru and pick up a mask. Every mask is being accounted for and it has already been pre-decided who will be getting those based on the needs of the community,” Shoulders said.

For all the details on supplies needed to make masks and what you can do to support the efforts of Operation Come Together #stayhomeandsew #build a shield, visit ProStudio7.com.