Dolly Dressers October update

This picture shows less than one quarter of the donations that were received over the summer. Photo by Viv Sloane.

This picture shows less than one quarter of the donations that were received over the summer. Photo by Viv Sloane.

Viv Sloane

Seven members were present at the September meeting. Our meetings are held the first Thursday of the month, September through May. We always welcome new members.

For over the first hour of the meeting we sorted all the things we received during the summer; beautiful materials and other sewing supplies plus about a dozen nice dolls. Some of the items received will go to Pads for Paws and Sewing Smiles and to the Sew-N-Sews stash table. Vicky Buholz and her helper Irene dressed over 300 Barbies this summer; 85 Barbie sets went to Stan Scott of Sun Lakes Charities. More will go to them for Christmas. Also delivered in August were 60 dolls and 110 books to San Marcos School, 110 books to Frye School and 110 books, 30 dolls and 30 Barbie sets went to Hartford School.

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 Good Will. 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 3 inch) baby bottles as we find these are very hard to come by. We have a great many baby dolls that 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.