MCGREGOR, TX — We know healthcare workers across the country are making big sacrifices to keep people safe.
Many are making sure they aren't forgotten from feeding them to donating flowers.
In Central Texas, a McGregor man is keeping healthcare workers safe by making sure their PPE is comfortable.
Randall Weidner is a Waco ISD architect teacher. He's working from home due to COVID-19 and when he's not online teaching his students, he's using his skills and knowledge for more.
"I'm 3D printing ear-saver straps," Weidner said.
It seems simple - but it's something many don't think about.
Weidner said healthcare workers wear masks several hours a day, but his straps make them more comfortable to wear.
"It [the strap] holds it on their head in a more comfortable position instead of getting raw spots on their ears or pulling on their ears," he said.
So far he's donated more than 700 straps to nursing homes, clinics, hospitals and EMS workers.
And he doesn't plan on stopping anytime soon.
"I've got enough plastic to probably print four or five thousand," Weidner said. "I see it as a way of paying it forward. People have helped me in the past. What can I do to help with the COVID? It's to help with these straps. It's the easiest thing I can afford to do. It's in my budget."
And he hopes others are inspired to give back, too.
"I'm not looking for any award or recognition, just to let people know there's stuff we can do to all help, in our own way," Weidner said.
No matter how big or how small, you can make a difference.