Willie Nelson generously signs face masks for auction in order to fund the production of PPE

Willie Nelson is doing his part to aid in the creation of face masks amid the coronavirus pandemic.   

After Houston resident Tanya Boike attempted to donate handmade masks to Nelson and his wife Annie D’Angelo, the 86-year-old singer suggested that he ‘sign [the masks] and have [Boike] auction them off.’

The auction proceeds would go towards Boike and her partner, local nurse Monica Cabazos, so they could continue producing the vital masks for free.

Boike, who has donated more than 600 face masks so far, spoke about the Country legend’s plan with television station KTRK on Friday.

In the interview, Tanya explained that after donating the masks to Nelson and D’Angelo, she received a text from the couple’s granddaughter Noelle Ward.

‘[Noelle] texted me a few minutes later and said “Pops would rather sign these and have them auction them off. That way you can get more materials and keep making these masks for free.”‘   

Upon learning of Nelson’s generosity, Boike admitted that she ‘just lost it’ as ‘that’s not what [she] had made them for.’ 

Once the details surrounding the plan were set in stone, Tanya created two listings on the website CharityAuctionsToday and partnered with charity organization The Houston Mask Makers.

The auctions – each with a minimum starting bid of $200 – ‘raise money for the purchase of materials to make masks, which will be donated to First Responders, Critical/Essential Workers and others in need.’ 

So far, the auctions have amassed more than $500 dollars for both Boike and The Houston Mask Makers.

Of her grandfather’s desire to help, Ward said: ‘Well, that’s him. That’s who he is. That’s him every day.’   

‘He’s just relaxed. He’s just giving. He’s just got a great smile, and he’s just the best,’ she concluded.