Cumberland Co. residents have the chance to put their craft skills to work Monday to help the Dogwood Exchange get ready for the winter.
The event, which is open to anyone regardless of sewing experience, will be contributing to the House of Hope’s Angel Tree Project, a charity that gives children in need a pair of pajamas and a gift during the winter holidays. Dogwood Exchange Owner Angela Witzel said the opportunity to help these young children can be life-altering.
“Kids at Christmas, they don’t understand the full meaning of Christmas, so it’s very important for them,” Witzel said. “Everybody likes a nice pair of pajamas so we try to give that to them, and the House of Hope take the toys and stuff and try to fulfill their wishlist.”
Witzel said they enjoyed helping the Angel Tree Project last year, making over 325 pairs of pajamas and assisting in the handout process. This year, she said the project needs help more than before because of their seamstress’ decision to leave her post.
Witzel said she and her organization have already hosted a few workshops this year, but that this event will be the first major one in a large space. She said that, while sewing assistance is very much appreciated, this is not the only way for the community to help them reach their goals.
“We have people that could iron or, once the pajamas are made, fold them and put them in a zip-lock bag and write the size, so we have lots of things people can do if they don’t have sewing experience,” Witzel said. “If they are unable to attend, we are taking donations of cotton or flannel material.”
Witzel said that if anyone wishes to volunteer their time or resources they can contact the Homestead Baptist Church in Knoxville. The meetup will be August 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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