INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) - Indiana Pacers head equipment manager Josh Conder, better known around the building as “Country”, is used to doing things for other people.
“I make sure everybody has their tights, socks, headbands, padded stuff, jerseys, warmups,” Country said. “During the game, I’m just everywhere, so I’m in charge of ball boys, making sure both teams have everything, the officials.”
And that’s just the short list. But right now, with the NBA on hiatus due to COVID-19, there are no uniforms to lay out or laundry to do. So Country has found another way to give back.
“I always wanted to learn to sew, just in case a jersey or something rips.“
So Country got on the internet, went to the JoAnn Fabrics website and taught himself how to sew. He bought his own sewing machine and all the materials needed to make face masks.
“The first couple masks were not so good,” Country admits. “I had to throw those away. Now I can get about 8 to 10 masks done in about 45 minutes.”
Country has now made nearly 200 face masks. He donated the first 100 to the homeless here in Indianapolis.
“I teamed up with an IMPD officer and he met me and I gave them to him. When he goes and checks on the homeless and gives them food and stuff, he gives out one of my masks, too.”
Country has also sewn a batch for a local assisted living facility. He says he has an inbox full of messages from friends and family requesting a mask, too.
“I tell them I already have orders coming I’m trying to catch up with them!”
Country says he’ll continue sewing until the season starts again or until no more face masks are needed. He’s now confident if a jersey does rip during a game, he can fix it on the spot.
“It may not be pretty, but I can get it done," he said.