Tuesday, June 19, 2012

"A Bag of my Own" ~~Project 7

Since tomorrow is the first day of summer, we thought what better way to beat the heat, than by staying inside and working on our next project. 
Every day, a child is neglected or abused and someone needs to step in and project and care for these children.  The Children's Receiving Home of Sacramento is doing just that.  Here is a little about them:

At the Children’s Receiving Home of Sacramento, we believe that every child deserves a safe place and every child has a life worth living.  We are dedicated to providing services to improve the safety, stability and well-being of children, their families and the community. By helping to take care of the needs of these children, you are investing in their future. Their journey to healing starts the moment they walk through our doors and continues throughout their lives.

Founded in 1944, the Children’s Receiving Home is an independent, non-profit organization positively impacting the lives of children, youth and families affected by abuse, neglect, behavioral health and trauma by providing a safe haven of comfort, hope and healing. Each year CRH provides emergency refuge to over 1,000 children in the shelter and Outpatient Mental Health program. In addition to 24-hour residential and shelter care, CRH provides comprehensive assessments, medical assistance, counseling and social-work services, on-site and community based mental health programs, an independent living program for emancipating youth (ILP), a pilot program called Residentially Based Services (RBS) that focuses on reuniting youth and families, a multi grade on-site public school, activities, recreation and a child/family visitation center.

Children in our program are assisted by peer and adult systems of support that challenge them to make the most of their talents, foster their aspirations and develop their capacity to assume ever-greater responsibility for the direction of their own lives. There is no other program like this in our community. The impact we make in the lives of the children we serve is only made possible through the generosity of the community.*

A lot of these children arrive with only a trash bag to carry their belongings in.  Trash bags!  One can only imagine what must be going through their minds.

 We, at Craft 4 Change want to make their transition a little bit brighter.  So, for this project we will be making LARGE drawstring or backpack style bags for them use while staying at the shelter, moving on to foster care or returning home.

Here are the requirements:

Size:  20 x 30 inches or larger (the size of a standard pillowcase)

Fabric:  Cotton, denim, broadcloth or stronger. (they get a lot of use)  They should be lined, if using a thin material.  Fun, colorful prints are best...all ages, boys and girls!  (ages range from 1 to 17)

Drawstring that can hold up to a lot of use!

Here is a link with several ways to make them. (just increase the size to at least 20 x 30 inches)  Also,
 here is one on how to convert a standard pillowcase into a drawstring bag. 

Backpack style here. (for the construction only, please make them at least 20 x 30)

OK...those of you that don't sew:  YOU CAN HELP!  Purchase a new kid-friendly pillowcase and find someone here at Craft 4 Change to add a drawstring!   Email us at Craft4change@hotmail.com and we will do just that.  How easy!

And, those of you who want to add a "little something extra",  you could include a coloring book/crayons, pillowcase, or small stuffed toy to your bag.  Get creative...have fun!

Deadline:  August 1st COMPLETED

* Information provided by The Children's Receiving Home of Sacramento



Friday, June 15, 2012

While you are waiting...

Enjoy a collage of pictures from our last project, "Welcome Little One".  We had so many pictures of your beautiful handiwork and the Assistance League Tea, that we decided to wait a little bit before posting more of them. 
Our next project will be announced SOON!  Get ready!

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Summer break

Hello crafters...just to remind you that we will be taking a break until the end of the month.  Hope you are enjoying your warm, summer days.  ~~Robyne~~