When an opportunity to help those on the front lines of COVID-19 showed up in her inbox, Shelby Graves sprung into action.

Still processing the disappointment of a school year ended early and missing the students, the Rebecca Boone Elementary media specialist was excited about the chance to use the district’s resources for the benefit of public safety.

Graves has teamed up with fellow media specialists Jill Burkemper and Lynn Mueller to produce around 300 tension release bands using the school’s 3D printers as of Tuesday. The bands attach onto the back of personal protection equipment, in this case face masks worn by emergency personnel.

“As teachers, we’re usually helpers,” explained Graves. “Losing that day-to-day interaction with kids can’t be replaced until we go back. This is helpful, though, knowing I’m doing a small part to help those first responders.”

The project started when a representative from BJC Healthcare reached out to area administrators, including Warren County R-III Superintendent Dr. Gregg Klinginsmith.

“He explained that there was a need for these and how we could help out,” said Graves. “He talked about how they could use them and where they could be taken.”

While the task is rather simple, the production is very time consuming.

Graves said each tension release band takes about 25 minutes to go through the manufacturing process, meaning she is frequently revisiting the printer to swap materials. Staff brought the printers home, so they could continue making the bands while doing other tasks around the house. Their persistence has already helped several in the community.

“I just think it’s important for everybody to help out however they can, no matter how big or small,” said Graves. “Some people feel like this is a big deal, but we are just donating our time and resources. Since we can’t be in the school helping students, we want to find other ways to help out.”

Graves has donated 30 devices to the local ambulance district.

This story also takes an interesting twist, as Graves found a way to honor an former colleague. The first 50 bands were donated to Kaylan Miederhoff, the sister of Jill Gunsten, a former teacher at Rebecca Boone Elementary who lost her life in a car accident traveling home from the school in 2013.

Graves said it was bittersweet to know the efforts of her and her coworkers could provide some relief for those working tirelessly to stop the spread of COVID-19.

“There’s been so many people around here that are willing to help out,” said Graves. “I honestly don’t feel like I’m doing much by printing these out. I just feel like in a time like this, we’re really pulling together as a community.”

Graves said the trio plans to continue producing the bands as long as the need persists and material exists.