Greetings from
Sleeping Bags and More
By Sleeping Bags and More Coordinator Nancy Budish
I will walk you through the process and what items we use to assemble them, so you will know where your donations go and what items we can use.
The outsides and the linings are assembled off sight by members of our crew as both of those steps require sewing machines. We use denim, corduroy, draperies, heavier curtains, shower curtains, decorator fabrics or any other items made of heavier fabrics for the outside. The linings are made from sheets.
The outside and the lining are joined on one end, and then the insides of the sleeping bags are filled with blankets, comforters, mattress pads, fleece blankets, afghans or anything else that will help keep them warm. The 3 layers are tacked together by hand, much like a quilt would be tied.
The final step is to close the bottom, sides and finish the edges of the opening, using needle and heavy thread. We roll up a large plastic bag inside the sleeping bag and tie them up with men’s ties. The balancing trick is to make them as warm as we can but not so heavy that they are hard to carry.
Our group range in age from their 50’s to their 90’s. We have anywhere from 2 to 9 people working. In the course of a year, we make about 100 sleeping bags. The sleeping bags are donated to MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary, St Ben’s, Street Angels and Sojourner Family Peace.
All helpers are welcome and all you need to be able to do is to thread a needle and we will even help with that if you are willing to sew! Come check us out on Monday mornings at 9:00 AM in Room 201.