Fashionable looks from an upscale thrift store will be modeled by Sun Lakes residents wearing their own thrift store purchases at a meeting of the Sew-N-Sews of Sun Lakes at 1:30 p.m. on September 9 in the Oakwood Ballroom. Moderating the unique fashion show will be Lois Katzin, a 92-year old former model who now volunteers at the Assistance League of East Valley thrift store.
Sew-N-Sews of Sun Lakes are people who enjoy sharing and developing knowledge of fiber arts such as fabric painting, knitting, crocheting, machine embroidery, needlecraft, beading, quilting, fabric embellishment, sewing apparel and accessories and home décor.
Assistance League of East Valley operates a thrift shop at 1950 N. Arizona Avenue in Chandler. Last year they provided new school clothing, shoes and uniforms for more than 7,000 elementary school children in the Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Kyrene and Tempe School Districts through its Operation School Bell. The organization has over 150 members, at least 25 of them are from Sun Lakes, and raises $400,000 a year through grants, donations and its thrift shop.
The organization also provided 4,300 assault survivor kits last year to police and fire departments containing clothing and personal care items for victims of assault, accidents or other crisis situations. They provide teddy bears for child victims to the Chandler Police Department.
The Sew-N-Sews of Sun Lakes is more than just a sewing club. It’s a club that has five charitable groups with special interests. One group makes heart pillows, crocheted baby hats and prayer shawls as needed. Another group refurbishes dolls, books and Beanie Babies for underprivileged children and another provides dog pads for shelters and helps Arizona StandDown for homeless veterans with companions. The Loving Hands group focuses on handwork, making layettes for premature newborns. The Sewing Smiles works with first graders at Galveston Elementary School.
The Assistance League of East Valley thrift shop, located on the southwest corner of Arizona Avenue and Warner, is open from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday beginning September 8; summer hours before that date are 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.