Retired Teacher 'Sew Loved' In Newport Beach: Local Hero

NEWPORT BEACH, CA —When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. Together with Ring, we’re working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Sandy Asper who nominated Peggy Engard of Newport Beach. Engard is a retired teacher, Asper tells Patch. Sewing is more than a hobby for Engard, it's a passion.

"Peggy started sewing when she was eight and continued through high school," Asper says.

Apparently, Peggy realized she could increase her wardrobe by a factor of 10 if she could make her own clothes! Now, she makes and distributes masks to keep others safe amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"Peggy was a kindergarten teacher in Newport Mesa Unified School District," before she retired, and is much loved by the district.

She has turned her retirement time, and her coronavirus shutdown time by raising money for Feeding America, according to Asper.

Thank you for all that you do, Peggy!

Do YOU have a local hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here. Read about other heroes from across California here.

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