Senior Living Residents Sew Dresses for Girls in Africa
Residents use their time during the pandemic to serve others
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 31, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- About a year ago, Dawn George uncovered a long-forgotten piece of paper as she unpacked after moving to an apartment at Ohio Living Westminster-Thurber in Columbus. Still fond of the idea, she set the paper – a pattern for a sundress – aside for when she had the time.
This summer, time was abundant.
Today, Dawn and 17 of her neighbors at Ohio Living Westminster-Thurber showcased their charitable work – 76 dresses and more than 200 washable sanitary pads for the charity Little Dresses for Africa.
According to the organization's website, "These dresses go as little ambassadors to plant in the hearts of little girls that they are worthy. As relationships are built, projects are completed through clean water, education and community."
"Even though we are somewhat confined because of the pandemic, I knew I could still be of service and answer a need," George said. "I put out a message in our resident newsletter inviting others to participate with me. Twelve people showed up to the introductory meeting!"
After that meeting on July 7 the residents went to work, buying fabric and sewing in their spare time. According to George, momentum is still going strong.
"Everyone is enjoying it! We're in our apartments most of the time, and this has become a positive thing for people to do on their own. It provides a creative outlet. We're ready to send our first shipment, and people are still offering to make the dresses. Now that we've displayed them on campus and shared information about the cause, new people are getting involved. We'll continue as long as there's interest."
The dresses, all sewn by hand or machine, show a broad range of skill and creativity. Some have ruffles, buttons, bows, pockets, and rickrack.
George sums up this charitable work with humor: "We're active, even though we're older," she said.
See photos at https://bit.ly/DressesForAfrica.
Headquartered in Westerville, Ohio, Ohio Living is one of the nation's largest not-for-profit, multi-site aging services organizations. Since 1922, Ohio Living has defined the highest standards of quality of life for adults through its 12 life plan communities and Ohio Living Home Health & Hospice, serving 50 Ohio counties.
CONTACT:
Melissa Dardinger, Corporate Manager of Public Relations
614.888.7800
[email protected]
SOURCE Ohio Living
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