The Los Altos Chapter NSDAR Lends a Hand to Those in Need

Los Altos, CA – The Los Altos Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is lending a helping hand to healthcare and other essential workers on the front lines of the pandemic, ensuring that the residents and facilities of the Los Altos and neighboring communities have more protective wear resources to face the threat of the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. The Los Altos Chapter responded to the medical mask shortage by hand-sewing masks to donate to local essential workers in the most need.

“While we are each doing our part to slow the spread of the virus by staying at home, the DAR members in our chapter wanted to do more to give back to those working hard to keep our community healthy and safe,” said Donna Santistevan, Regent of the Los Altos Chapter. “We know these are tough times for everyone and wanted to do whatever we could to spread a little sunshine and help take care of our community.”

Members from the chapter have sewn and donated masks to SCCC Community PPE Project, and Affirma Rehabilitation.

DAR Member, Valerie Gray, was asked by her daughter, Cindy Gray Carter, a Physical Therapist, at Affirma, who desperately needed help in getting PPE Protection for her staff and patients. Valerie started with 40 masks in the first round and continues to make them. The staff is most grateful for her assistance.

DAR Member, Pam Heldenbrand learned how to sew specifically for this project. She said, “Before we started, we had zero sewing knowledge but felt we needed to help. So, we purchased a sewing machine, fabric, and supplies to make it happen. YouTube has been our teacher, and we are now well known at Joann Fabrics and similar establishments.”

Other DAR members contributed in other ways. The Forum at Rancho de San Antonio needed puzzles and adult coloring books for various patients as they are sheltered in their rooms. Elyse Gerson

Associate Executive Director told us that the items will be distributed to the Assisted Living and Memory Care. “We are so grateful for helping to brighten the day of our residents”, she said.

Nationwide, DAR chapters from all 50 states have been participating in the organization’s Service to America From Home initiative with more than 50,000 masks already being donated and tens of thousands more produced every day to be distributed in local communities.

"I am exceptionally proud of what DAR members are accomplishing as part of a proud tradition of service that dates to our 1890 founding,” said Denise Doring VanBuren, DAR President General. “In difficult times like these, we know that it is not the emergency that defines us, but how we respond to it.”

For DAR membership inquiries and other questions about the Los Altos Chapter, contact Donna Santistevan at donnachelle@hotmail.com.

To learn more about DAR visit https://losaltos.californiadar.org

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The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to preserve the memory and spirit of those who contributed to securing American independence. For more than 125 years, the DAR has strived to bring awareness to the honorable sacrifices and enduring legacy of all patriots who fought for America’s freedom. Through the DAR Genealogical Research System (www.dar.org/GRS), the public can access a free database of information amassed by the DAR about these patriots. DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical women’s service organization with more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. DAR members passionately carry out the timeless mission of promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.dar.org.