Members filling candy bags to be used for the Easters bags.
Viv Sloane
Eight members and three visitors attended the February meeting. Annette Kitto reported many distributions including three schools (150 books and beanies and 15 babies), 50 Beanies and books to Tucson schools, two new Title One schools, five Barbies to Clothes Cabin and the amazing organization called Jose’s Closet serving 700 kids. We have 200 bunnies ready to be used for Easter bags. We finished up the meeting by removing sticky labels from quite a few books.
Eight members were present at the March meeting plus a new member, Noreen Nadler. Distributions included 50 books and Beanies to Shumway School, donations to Jose’s Closet (needy dolls were taken, cleaned and returned); also, Clothes Cabin will sell dolls in their boutique and use the money in their charitable annex.
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, 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. We get all sorts of dolls donated to us like silicone baby dolls.
As always we are in need of unbreakable dolls of all types especially 14-16-18 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 480-688-7823.