WACO, TX — People and companies have switched gears around the country to help deal with the coronavirus pandemic.
A North Texas costume shop has begun making protective masks, while Tito's Vodka in Austin is looking to make cleanser. That same giving spirit has also hit Central Texas where a family business wants to make sure hospitals have beds they need.
Government leaders say one of the biggest fears surrounding the coronavirus is that too many sick people at once might overwhelm hospitals. Now, a Waco family has stepped forward to help ensure that won't happen.
The Weaver family makes it their business to make sure we all get a good night's sleep through their mattress story on Valley Mills. Carol Weaver says that's gotten tough lately as she's watched the heartache and damage the coronavirus has done around the globe.
After seeing that, the Weavers decided to step up and help their Central Texas family.
"And we're willing to donate up to one hundred mattresses if we can," she explained.
So she got to work calling suppliers.
"If we need mattresses for the city, if we need that and he said yes, he can probably get it here in a three-day turnaround," she said.
While city leaders work to flatten the curve of infections, the Weavers want to make sure if a hospital suddenly finds itself short of beds, their family will make sure it gets them.
”If it gets bad here like it has in New York City or Washington, you know, how can the Weavers help?” asked Billy Weaver.
Hospitals say they have no need at the moment.
Baylor, Scott & White issued a statement calling it "humbling to see innovative and creative acts of kindness to help its patients and staff." City leaders call it, "the Waco way."
"And it all goes back to the 1953 tornado when 114 people were killed. Waco people came out and took care of our own, and we have a very giving. We're ready to serve our community, help the hospitals in any way that we can. People can't come in to a hospital and get treated without a bed," said Carol Weaver.
Now, if they need one, they'll have it
The city cautions that emergency managers will assess needs and put the word out for whatever the community might have use for. So if you have something that might help, let them know, but hang onto it for now.
