Happy New Year! Looking back on 2024, it has been a year of growth. We set a massive goal: to distribute 1,000 quilts to disadvantaged local children. We are proud and excited to announce that we reached our goal and donated 1,003 handmade quilts lovingly made by all our members. We would also like to thank residents for their generous donations.
As we close the books for 2024, we made and distributed 1,003 quilts, 438 totes, 80 stuffed animals, 266 pillow friends, 100 teen pillows, 59 regular pillows, 148 baby blankets, 452 pieces of children’s clothing, 514 burp pads, 140 stuffed Christmas stockings, and 39 books.
November and December were hectic months. We stuffed 140 Christmas stockings and delivered them to Marion County Children’s Alliance, Children & Youth Homeless (Marion County School Division), Reddick Pre-K class, and Joy Lutheran teenage girl’s residence.
We delivered 60 quilts to Children & Youth Homeless. Fifty Christmas quilts had previously been delivered to Marion County Children’s Alliance.
We added Picking Up the Pieces, run by Michell Pepins, which works with the Marion County Fire Rescue homeless division. They received 42 stockings for their children’s Christmas party. These children are homeless, in foster care, or in a home.
We also added Interfaith Emergency Services, which distributed 56 of our quilts to families for their Christmas gathering. Currently, 12 children live on-site, and those quilts were given to the children on Christmas morning.
Finally, we added Pay It Forward Outreach, which distributed 33 quilts to homeless and low-income families.
On Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, we brought baked goodies to Shephard’s Lighthouse and Saving Mercy, as well as 30 quilts and 100 burping cloths. These two agencies provide refuge to girls at risk of sex trafficking, homelessness, and pregnancy.
Please stop at the Club Fair on Thursday, Jan. 30, in Circle Square Cultural Center. We would love to chat and show off some of our work.
See our program in action in the Hobby Building Art Room A & B. We meet every Thursday from 12:30 to 3 p.m. We also meet on the second and third Saturdays of the month from noon to 3 p.m.
Can’t sew? No problem. We have many tasks that are essential to our program. We have sewing machines available to use, or bring your own.
Meet an amazing and talented group of ladies and gentlemen. Dues are $15 for the year.
We always need children’s themed cotton, solid color cotton, or flannel fabric.
Join our page on Facebook (Sewing Bees Club Inc.) and see what magic takes place at the hive. Stay up to date on what we are working on and what our current needs are.
If you have any questions, call or text Ann Gallo at 917-597-2178 or Susie Clauson at 904-422-5135.
Author: Ann Gallo
Photo Credit: Donna Sherman, “The Sewing Bees stuffed 140 stockings for various agencies serving children.”
