With an increased need for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Scouts across the nation are doing whatever they can to help. The Rucker family is using their personal 3D printer to help medical staff, first responders and similar groups.

“As the pandemic became apparent in March, [I received] an email [from a friend] asking if folks had printing capacity for medical supplies,” said John Rucker, who is the Scoutmaster for Troop 117. “I started making ear saver bands…then reached out to my troop parents and business networks to see who might need them.”

Upon reaching out to his contacts, John was able to connect with social media groups and medical contacts. Through these groups, John and his family have been able to distribute close to 1,000 ear savers, which they packed and shipped from their home. So far, the ear saver bands have been sent to Ohio, Virginia, Illinois, California, Florida, Washington and Arizona via John’s connection with the Masks for Everyday Heroes group on Facebook.

Ear saver bands help prevent chafing, make masks more comfortable, and take friction off of the ears of workers who have to wear PPE continuously to protect themselves and those they take provide care for.

The health care workers who received the ear savers were so thankful and John has received repeat requests. The Rucker family has also been putting together face shields for distribution.

“Anyone with a 3D printer that wants to pitch in can help,” said John. “There is a need to help print face shields, sewing tools, ear saver bands, and lots of other things.”

If you would like to help make ear savers or masks for frontline workers, visit the Masks for Everyday Heroes group on Facebook to learn more.