Viv Sloane

Eight members were present at our April meeting and five members were at our May meeting. We had a great variety of donations from Nancy Wilson, Norma Gehrig and others. Much sorting was done to utilize all.

Deliveries during the last two months included Easter baskets; 35 to New Leaf, 35 to My Sister’s Place, and 20 to Jose’s Closet and Bologna School. Clothes Cabin also received donations. Books with no match were nicely packaged with a doll and blanket. Vicky Buholz also did a special donation of 11 Barbie’s and 11 books and Beanies for an awards event at Gila River School. Much is ready for delivery, including 250 books and Beanies ready for schools this fall.

Julie Anderson sent Sandy and Lily two 18 inch dolls that she had outfitted royally. They will be used for special gifts. There will be no more meetings until September.

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, 16 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 are appreciative. We are also in need of small (about three inches) 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  480-688-7823.