See A Need, Fill A Need

Have you ever seen Robots, a cheesy movie from 2005 about a young robot inventor? Mr. Bigweld is famous for proclaiming that when he sees a need, he fills the need.

By now, you have seen the droves and flocks of 3D printing experts and engineers who are working day and night to support the medical professionals trying to "do their job" that has evolved into something so much more than that. We in the maker community have long-loved designing and constructing ways to help in one way or another. I have been blessed to work alongside the team at Airwolf3D for years to design lessons and model classroom practices, yet this is so, so, so different. 

If it weren't for a dentist in Montana, a Boy Scout in Vancouver, and a company in Southern California, I would wield a great machine and nothing more. Sure, plenty of companies have put things out in the open for folks to print. In fact, there are so many people ready to help. These are the three who I leaned on first. The dentist brought us MakeTheMasks.com which details how to print N95-style masks. The Boy Scout brought us the ear guard straps to alleviate the stress on the ears while wearing surgical masks. The company brought us a design for a face shield for medical professionals to don in times of need. 

Through local contacts in Southern California and family in Arkansas, I have found a home for over 75 ear guards, 30 face shields, and 30 masks. We have run into trouble along the way because, well, things don't always go as planned.

Yep, that's a blob of plastic because my son decided to put soap in the brush used to lay down the glue. That's what happens when I leave things unattended.

If you have a 3D printer, then great. Put it to work, find someone in your area to donate the finished products to, and feel great about it. My wife, who has a gift with making in her own way, has sewn over 25 masks and has plenty more on the way, giving them to friends and family. 

If you have neither a printer or a sewing skillset, there are other ways to help. 

Give blood
Help a food bank in your area
Send crafts and notes to nursing homes
Order take out once in a while
Stay home unless you need to get supplies
​Please, please, please take care of yourself, too

This sucks. It all sucks. Trust me, I have feelings about getting back to baseball, work, life as we knew it. The reality is, though, that the only way to get over it is to go through it (Goin' On A Bear Hunt, anyone?).

Makers make, builders build, and helpers help.

Try to be one of those, for someone, at this time.

Happy "Seeing The Need" Fishing