What a unique and very special visit I had with ‘Caring Threads' this month! Meeting a small group of women that have a ‘Heart’ as big as the universe, who create and provide for the needs of others, NO matter what the demand, was truly inspiring. Baby caps, blankets, pillows, towel soaps, slip dresses, wool caps, and much more are all in their repertoire!
What is ‘Caring Threads,’ you ask?
Well, when I first heard the name, I thought it was a few ladies getting together in their free time sitting, knitting, and crocheting as a hobby. I was pleasantly surprised! These women are on a mission, knitting, crocheting and chatting ... but with a purpose. “We have a mission to give of ourselves to help the less fortunate,” they told me.
My visit began with an introduction (by photo) to Mary Phelps, the founder of ‘Caring Threads’ at First Baptist Church Statesboro in 2008. The story goes that Mary had attended a meeting where a visiting missionary was speaking. Mary introduced herself and asked, "What is the need for your mission?”
The missionary replied that the women to whom she ministered, in the hills of Croatia, were cold and needed scarves. Mary, in a short time, gathered a few ladies who set to work knitting and crocheting scarves for those women. As time went by and the needs were made known, the creativity and productivity of the group increased. Now some 15 years later, they have donated more than 50,000 items worldwide. Ginger Malphrus said, “I remember Mary used to say there's a head for every hat. When one or more of my hats turn out a little too big, I always remember that.”
“Members have come and gone but whoever is part of the group is enthusiastic in what they do. Some spend every Tuesday morning working in our group gathering, but others work at home, dropping completed items at the church,” said Joan Slaght, the ‘Caring Threads’ facilitator.
“After Mary, we have had several facilitators: Anita Masters, Debbie Martin and Sharon Manley before me,” said Joan. “Our supplies come entirely from donations, either monetary or real items such as yarn or fabric. Per Mary's original mandate, nothing is ever sold; ours are 100% donations.”
This group of women meet every Tuesday morning at 10-11:30a.m. when the church is open, at First Baptist Church, in a quiet area of the building. “The group seems to know what to do without direction whether I am there or not. They can get in there and get done whatever needs to be done. It's really an excellent group of hard-working people,” Joan added.
Their distribution is wherever the need lies!
Joan said, “For me, it is a blessing to be able to work with this group as we create and distribute things to many different places. Mission world teams for Africa, Israel, Russia, and different parts of the United States including Statesboro, Bulloch County, and numerous places in Georgia receive our things. Whenever there is a mission trip or a need, they are ready to provide for it. We send hats to ‘Seafarers’ both in Savannah and Florida, donate baby blankets and baby things to both of the pregnancy crisis centers in Statesboro, and 'chemo caps' are generally given out as we hear of a need," said Joan.
Among their handiwork, they have given 100 pillows to 4 nursing homes in Statesboro, baby blankets and caps to Pulaski nursing home, the VA hospital, and VA clinic in Statesboro, and Christian Social Ministries.
Every article has a tag that says:
‘Made for you with love and prayer by a Woman on Mission from Caring Threads
First Baptist Church
108 North Main Street
Statesboro,Georgia 30458
John 3:16’
The ladies all share the benefits of being part of ‘Caring Threads.’ "We can work on our own time, give back with a giving heart and enjoy each other's fellowship," one shared.
Laura Womack said, “I love it! It's rewarding. A ray of hope.” Gail Dismuke added, “It blesses my heart to give to others and volunteer my time “
This was a heart-felt and very informative visit. They started with nothing and have given so much to so many. They all said, bring your rags, towels, linens, wool, needles, donations for pillow stuffing, fabric samples, bedding whatever you have available and JOIN THEM! Clean out your drawers and closets and drop it off or come and join us, they said sweetly. ‘Even an old pair of denim jeans made a great backpack,” Joan shared. Who knows what ‘treasures’ will be next.
Contact First Baptist Church Statesboro, 912-764-5627, and ask the receptionist about ‘Caring Threads’.
Come and make this your finest Senior Moment!
