Making the masks

During this time of quarantine and isolation, a local couple has taken it upon themselves to give back to their community by making protective masks.

Chris and Letty Rivera aren't your average couple next door. When the virus spread locally and people started searching for protective face gear, Letty and Chris devised a solution.

Letty is a seamstress and realized she could help by making masks. So far, she has made over 800 face masks and is proud to be able to give.

According to Letty, she made 100 by herself in the first week. Now, her mother comes over to help. "We've delivered them to medical clinics, a dialysis center on Oswell in Bakersfield and to Albertsons."

Letty said they have taken care of their neighbors by giving them with masks.

She has been working on an order for 300 masks, and when she is finished with that, she'll begin concentrating on making them for local essential workers, such as those in law enforcement and the medical field.

"People have offered money for the masks," she said. "I don't want money for them." Instead, she is happy when people donate material.

Letty and Chris are both retired. He is a former prison employee and knows how important the masks are to the prison population and staff. "I have so many friends in the prison system," he said. "We want this over with, so we can go back to normal and be with our family."

The Riveras have seven grandchildren and three on the way. "I miss not being able to see my grandkids," Chris said. "We used to see them every week but now we can't."