Today on the blog we have a post by our member Erika of Miss Sews-it-all:
When I first joined the Chicago Modern Quilt Guild, I was blown away by how selfless members are when it comes to giving to those in need. I have seen the CMQG donate all kinds of hand-quilted projects, both big and small, to organizations of all kinds across the US.
This year I’m thrilled to announce that we’ve started a new volunteer program, Sew to Serve Chicago! We all agree that while we are sewing for others in need, we should also use our sewing talents to help those in our own community. Along with the national charities we support, we will find a few local Chicago charities to receive our handmade donations each year. Our first Sew to Serve Chicago charity is the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
The Food Depository is Chicago’s food bank, dedicated to providing food for hungry people while striving to end hunger in our community. Last year alone the organization reached 678,000 adults and children, supplying over 64 million pounds of food across the Chicagoland area. Read about the Food Depository and how you can help at the official website.
We are sewing and donating reusable grocery bags in support of the Food Depository’s mission to end hunger. Last year our President Donna along with her friend Wayne showed us how to make quick-stitched Morsbags , which are perfect for the Food Depository project. You may have a bag pattern that is already a favorite, and any pattern that creates a sturdy bag suited to hold groceries will work. Members who would like to help can start stitching bags right away!
We’re also holding a sew-day in September where we will showcase a number of reusable bag projects and techniques at the beginning of the meeting. Members who want to help sew for the Food Depository can use the time to stitch as many bags as possible from donated supplies while learning a few new bag sewing tricks and techniques. All finished bags will be collected for donation during our regular October meeting, and as a bonus there will be a PRIZE for the member who makes the most bags!
Our next Sew to Serve Chicago volunteer project will benefit Project Night Night shelters right here in Chicago. Look for more information to come after the first of the year.