PINELLAS, PARK, Fla. -- What started out as a Christmas gift for Pinellas Park resident Kristen Lollis has become a gift for health care workers all over the country.

“I’ve always been a big crafter, so I asked my husband for a 3D printer for Christmas,” Lollis said.

Did she ever in a million years think that when she finally got the printer for Christmas, she would be using it to help first responders?

“Absolutely not,” Lollis said.

Since the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent stay-at-home orders, she's been printing plastic strips to make health care workers' masks just a little more comfortable during a time that is anything but.

“I’ve had so many people tell me that their ears are breaking down and hurting so bad from having the mask on. This is just giving them that littlest bit of relief that makes the biggest difference during the day while having to wear those masks."

Now, from morning until night, she prints.

“I’m just a girl in her craft room 3D printing,” said Lollis with a laugh. 

So far, she’s donated more than 650 clasps to those on the front lines at hospitals. She says printing these clasps speaks to a mantra printed on her heart. 

“I feel like the more good people do, the more people want to do good,” Lollis said.

If you would like a clasp or want to donate to help Lollis fund this project, go to facebook.com/lollis3dprinting.