. >> reporter: that's when margaret jankowski turned up in houston with 125 brand-new machines. >> and we gave them out in the parking reporter: the wisconsin woman started the sewing machine project, which has now given out more than 3,600 new and used machines helping survivors of disasters like hurricane katrina, and hard of hearings from afghanistan and somalia. among recipients, a common thread-- all are in need. >> it made me be able to sew again. >> it helps you economically and physically and mentally. >> you got it down. >> i got it down. >> reporter: a tool that can provide income... >> i made this on a machine that was donated. >> reporter: ...for those starting over. why do you do it? >> the fact that i can share them with people to whom they make such a difference is life changing for them and life changing for me. >> reporter: a lover of the craft helping others on the mend. >> that's pretty! >> reporter: janet shamlian, cbs news, houston. >>> this is a cbs news flash, just when you thought the masks were coming off, federal health officials are warning a new ly n hard hit covid areas to consider maskin