Hundreds of Sun City residents have volunteered time, materials and skills to make masks for the Williamson County Mask Brigade, according to an April 27 news release.

Resident Paula Dennis began recruiting volunteers to help make masks that would be used by first responders, health care workers, and those living in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities throughout the county. Since she began, she has recruited more than 200 volunteers who have made 7,000 masks, all of which have been delivered to the Williamson County COVID-19 Community Organizations Active in Disaster group for distribution, the release said.

“I have been amazed by all the talent that we have in Sun City," Dennis said in the release. "These volunteers are doing this because they want to. They do it with such enjoyment."

The operation has since moved to the Worship Place in Sun City, where Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. volunteers work 6 feet apart to make masks. Any leftover fabric is then turned into a quilt and donated to the Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center.

“Being useful and helping this initiative has lit up a fire in us. We are all excited to help and enjoy feeling purposeful,” Dennis said.