MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - K-12 schools in Michigan are still closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this is not stopping schools from finding ways to help their communities through this crisis.

Okemos and Haslett schools recently announced plans for feeding students while schools are closed. Okemos Public Schools are ensuring students and community children are provided with breakfast and lunch meals until Friday, April 3. Haslett Public Schools are also committed to dropping-off healthy meals with curbside pickup to those under the age of 18 through Friday, April 10.

That's not the only way Okemos is assisting with those in need during this time. Teachers from Okemos Public Schools have already completed their first set of masks using 3D printers and will be creating more to donate to Sparrow Hospital.

Additionally, Holt High School Biology teacher Lisa Weise has spearheaded a statewide movement by public educators to help Michigan health care workers receive personal protection equipment (PPE) to help them treat patients infected with COVID-19.

Ben Shoemaker, a Michigan Education Association (MEA) member and robotics coach in Mason Public Schools, has access to 3D printers, and is using the machinery to print face shields for health care workers.

Shoemaker’s student leadership team is also providing virtual company to local senior citizens.

“We’re taking the tablets we have for scouting and trying to get those delivered to some senior centers in the area so kids can be virtual pen-pals with seniors who are shut in and might not have visitors,” said Shoemaker.