The “Mission” of Mission Sewing/Knitting is to use our God-Given talents to give comfort, warmth and the Love of Christ to those less fortunate. Presbyterian Woman from all over the country support various missions of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and local charities in their communities.
We continue to knit or crochet “Prayer Shawls” for people who are severely ill, depressed, or going through a life crisis. The person making the shawl is to pray for the recipient that when the shawl is wrapped around them, they will feel the healing comforting of our Lord, Jesus Christ. The majority of the shawls have been given to members of St. Andrews; the response has been overwhelming and extremely gratifying. They are serving the purpose intended.
We continue to support the “Bags for Kids” program by making duffle bags for children being taken into protective custody to carry their few belongs with them. Aviva Children’s Services provides the bags to the Child Protection Agency. Aviva provided between 100 and 125 bags per month in the year 2003. Three years later, now, in 2007 the number has risen to 500 plus. We also provide quilts and have made tote bags for the children to take with them during supervised visitation with their families. The tote bags are filled with crayons, paper, small games, etc. Our most recent project for Aviva is to make Christmas stockings for foster children. Aviva fills the stockings with toys, candy, gift certificates, etc.
During the year we knit hats, scarves and mittens to be sent to various Indian reservations for children who’s families cannot afford to purchase warm clothing for them. Last winter and again this year we have sent these to the White River Apache Reservation.
One member makes preemie sweaters, hats and booties that are given to the Women’s Center at NW Hospital. (Some new mothers have nothing for their babies to wear home.) We sew and knit chemo hats that are donated to Arizona Oncologists.
A few years ago, we were asked to make shawls for the Whitman Ringers. A group of us brought our sewing machines to church and had them all made in one morning.
Currently, there are 16 women sewing and knitting for the group and all items are delivered once a month to the proper agencies. We have also received donations of quilts and Afghans from other people who have heard about our program.
We are always seeking new members; only basic sewing and/or knitting skills are required for the majority of our projects. For more information, please contact Carol Backus at 575-1716 or carolcreates@comcast.net .