Dear Friends and Family,
I recently came across a service project by MJ from her blog here where she tells part of her story. She is a breast cancer survivor and wanted to give care packages to others diagnosed with breast cancer. The idea is the patient receives a hand-sewn, reversible tote filled with a diary, a pen, some chocolates and some all natural lotion (no chemicals, etc).
I have decided to start the same project here in Utah. My mom works for Gamma West Cancer Services in St. George, Utah. It is a radiation oncology office where patients go to receive their prescribed radiation treatment. We'd like to create a stockpile of these totes for patients to receive when they come in.
As MJ says in her blog post: "Our goal is to distribute at least 100 hand-made tote bags. We want those that receive them to know that they are not alone and that there is a network of supporters and cheerleaders encouraging them in this fight before they ever leave the doctor's office."
Here is how it will work:
1. Make a couple one-of-a-kind totes:
- Here is a link to get the basic instructions for making a lined/reversible tote-bag. It is sturdy and simple. Beginner seamstresses can totally do this one.
- Use fabric patterns that you would enjoy in a moment of crisis. Perhaps you would enjoy something bright and fun. Others might appreciate colors that
are lovely and calming, etc.
- Add an embellishment or two. I actually don't know how to tat but if you want to incorporate something like a flower or bow into the design of your masterpiece(s) we'd be extra impressed.
2. If you don't feel comfortable sewing please donate fabric or items to go into the tote bags. We are looking for:
- Fabric of all colors and patterns.
- Diaries of all colors. Preferably smaller than a sheet of printer paper. Think something easy to store in a purse-sized tote bag.
- Pens. Sky's the limit to colors and how many you donate. I know there are packs of regular pens available at the Dollar Store but if you feel gracious, sparkly gel pens or unique colors are really fun.
- Bite size chocolates. Again, sky's the limit here. Wal-Mart always has bags of chocolates ranging from every-day to fancy brands.
- All-Natural Creams or Lotions. Try to go for high quality products that will fit in the tote bag that are free of chemicals, dyes and scents. There are many ideas and options online.
3. Mail all your items to me by Mother's Day, Sunday, May 11th, 2014
Whitney Schofield
344 E 5300 S
Murray, UT 84107
*For those of you that live in St. George send me an email and I will give you an address where you can drop off your donations.
Send me an email for questions or comments and to let me know the package is on its way: schofield.whitney@gmail.com
I will keep the project updated here ever week or so.
Get started! If you would like a couple friendly reminders about your goal to join this cause, send me an email and I will add you to a reminder mailing list. Many thanks in advance!
Whitney
P.S. PLEASE spread the word around to your own friends and family as well as your Facebook. The more the merrier!
