Giving Back
to our Community

Walker Totes

Debra Rosenberg recognized the problem at her workplace, a doctor's office. Senior patients were struggling to carry necessities while using a walker. Her solution–walker totes. Debra is approaching the 200 mark on her tote-donation total, and still prides herself in making sturdy, smartly-tailored bags that grant the gift of mobility.

You can help by starting your own tote-making campaign. Debra recommends donating to rest homes, rehabilitation centers, assisted-living residences, hospitals and doctor's offices. Search online for free patterns using the key words "walker tote" or "wheelchair tote."

Habit-Making Charity

Expert seamstress Barbara Torina remains dedicated to her charitable mission: Making habits for a religious order, the Franciscan Friars of Renewal. She reports that a serger, donated by a Sew News reader, has significantly streamlined finishing and hemming. Recent projects include retrofitting a habit for the injured Father Benedict Groeschel, founder of the order, who is famous for his books and television appearances. Barbara asks that others use their sewing skills to assist those in need.

Sewing Hope

Through this sewing ministry, Bev Easterling has empowered people both stateside and abroad. Although her original aim was to teach the marketable skill of sewing to economically challenged, homebound women, this charity now encompasses an array of vital missions. Seniors gather to share their sewing skills with others. Missionaries learn to sew so they can teach overseas. Desperately needed notions are distributed in countries where they are scarce.

Sewing Hope, formerly Threads of Hope, was showcased in "From the Heart" in the May '02 Sew News. Beverly was thrilled with the response to the article and the many boxes of donated fabrics and notions sent to her by Sew News readers.

To donate fabrics, notions, threads and working condition sewing machines, write to Sewing Hope, c/o Immanuel Chapel, Dept. SN, 7001 142nd Ave. N., Largo, FL 33771 or e-mail sewing@immanuelchapel.org.

Community Stitching Post

Started in 1999 by Warden Warren D. Timmerman- Cooper, this program was designed to hold inmates at the Ohio Reformatory for Women responsible for making amends to society, while learning new skills and building self-esteem. Resident teacher-organizers guide inmates through projects that incorporate sewing, quilting, embroidering and needlework. In just six years, the Community Stitching Post has served over 200 charities across the country.

You can help by donating crochet hooks (any size), fiberfill stuffing, batting (for all size quilts), yarn, craft glue, toy kits, sewing machine needles and working condition sewing machines. Write or call to confirm before sending items. Or for more information on donating gift certificates, contact The Community Stitching Post, Ohio Reformatory for Women, Dept. SN, 1479 Collins Ave., Washington Unit A, Marysville, OH 43040, or call (937) 642-1065.

If you have a volunteer effort you'd like to share with our readers, send your story (those online can fill out our questionnaire, at http://sewnews.com/aboutsn/ugiveback/) and photos to Giving Back, Sew News, 741 Corporate Circle, Ste. A, Golden, CO 80401, or e-mail sewnews@sewnews.com. Photos can't be returned. Featured charities and individuals will receive a copy of Creative Kindness, by Nancy Zieman and Gail Brown, and the companion video.

Visit www.gailbrown.com for links to additional "Giving Back" news and online project patterns. Click on the "online sewing articles" and Sew News "Giving Back" links.

From the November 2005 issue of Sew News magazine.