Viv Sloane

Seven members met in the Sewing Room for our last meeting of the year; six went to Poolside for a lovely lunch before. We received a large bag of baby hats to use for our baby dolls as they were made too small for real babies; also a box of beautiful cashmere squares. They will be given to the Quilt Club for a new project they have started. We received three thank you notes from organizations we distributed to. It is nice to be thanked for the work we do. The total distributed in 2015 is 285 Barbies, 1,166 books and Beanies, 239 dolls, 336 Christmas and Easter baskets. We also donated two 18” doll sets to Rotary Pancake Breakfast for charity use. The Christmas set included beside the doll, clothes, a bench and a decorated tree. The spring set included beside the doll, clothes, a rattan couch, cupboard and dish set. Both sets included many extras.

Underprivileged or homeless boys and girls are very happy to receive the items we provide. We need some special items for boys: little cars, trucks, soldiers and action figures; also some specialty Beanie Babies besides bears. We would like to thank all the people who have responded to our needs especially those that don’t live in Sun Lakes. Used dolls have become very expensive to buy even from Savers or Goodwill. The dolls and other items people donate to us are very much appreciated.

As always, we are in need of unbreakable dolls of all types especially 14 inch, 16 inch and 18 inch little girl dolls. They must have hair that we can restyle and not be all marked up. We also have a need for flannel and fleece for doll blankets, lace and other sewing supplies, yarn of all kinds and crochet cotton, and gently used children’s books. Other small items that we can give to the food bank for distribution to small children coming in with their mothers. We are also in need of small (about three inch) baby bottles as we find these are very hard to come by. We have a great many baby dolls who need bottles as we like to include one with each doll. It would even be nice to have a miniature rattle to include. We always include a baby blanket or a quilt with each doll. Even if donated items can’t be used by us, we will find an appropriate place where they can be used. Since we are a Special Interest Group of the Sew-N-Sews, some of the other charities they support can use items that are donated.

For more information about joining our group or to donate items call Rose Zimmer at 480-895-5148 or Viv Sloane  at 480-688-7823.