Sewing Ideas for Community Service Projects

The closer I get to my Haiti mission the more obsessed I get. It seems like all I think about. I've been collecting supplies from everywhere I go. It's also hard to stay focused to get other things done. Good thing the hubby likes to cook.
Still, the idea of going on a mission leads me to community service projects. With the approach of the holiday it also helps remind us there are folks who are in need...and a sewing talent can help them a bit. I found a few ideas, things to sew that would be appreciated.

Days For Girls

Ever wonder what happens to girls in places where feminine hygiene (read that as tampons and sanitary pads) aren't readily available?  They can't go to school. They stay home and lose days. Days for Girls provides washable hygiene kits for girls. The organization supplies patterns for the pads and the bags. 

Project Linus

Like Linus in the Peanuts comic strip, Project Linus is about blankets (OK, Linus was into the Great Pumpkin, too, but he had his blanket with him). Crocheted, knitted, sewn, or quilted. Even baby doll blankets. The site has patterns to make a sorts of blankets to warm up a little sweetie. 

Sewing.Org

Live near a nursing home or rehab facility? Some things that are appreciated are adult bibs, walker caddies, and wheelchair totes. How about checking with a chemo clinic about chemo turbans? Or a lap robe for someone in a wheelchair.  Go to Sewing.org for patterns and ideas.   

P.S. All the patterns are free.

The Painted Turtle

Paul Newman was a gifted actor (with gorgeous blue eyes, I might add) who created the Hole in the Wall camps for seriously ill children. One of those camps is called the Painted Turtle. Sew up an adorable turtle pillow to donate to the children of this amazing camp. Click HERE for instructions and pattern.

Ronald McDonald House and Fisher House Charities

Like to make pillowcases? I do, and I love to make them with cutest kid-friendly fabric. Perfect for a Ronald McDonald House donation. Click HERE for a link to ideas to help. The Fisher House is for the families of veterans to stay at VA and military hospitals. Think grown-up and patriotic fabrics for this one. 

OK, that's a few ideas to start with. Join a group or start one. Either way, make a difference in the lives of others and, in doing so, you'll make a difference in yours.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Post by Eileen of GoofingOff Sewing.