Mark your calendars for Saturday, Nov. 16, to experience a huge fund-raising event to benefit the non-profit organization Dresses for Orphans, providing handmade clothing for underprivileged children worldwide.
The sale starts at 7 a.m. and runs through 2 p.m., at the Apache Wells Community Church Fellowship Hall, 2115 N. Gayridge Road, just north of McKellips Road, off 56th Street. “The community is invited to participate by attending the sale, as well as donating items,” said organization volunteer Jerri Ramey.
Dresses for Orphans started as the brainchild of Las Sendas resident Darlene Carpenter, when she was semi-retired and looking for volunteer opportunities. She knew she enjoyed doing things to benefit kids, and had a strong sewing background, so she started making outfits in her home. A short time later, several other women wanted to be part of what she was doing. In October 2008, Dresses for Orphans was born, with the mission of helping orphans feel special, loved and cared for by providing new, specially made dresses
and shirts.
“Today, more than 40 volunteers, including several winter visitors, meet every Wednesday, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the church hall, to make the outfits,” said Jerri. “The church has been very kind to donate the space to us.”
Groups do the same in Washington and Ohio. More than 13,000 outfits have been made and sent to 91 orphanages in 29 countries, including Haiti, India, Kenya, Mexico, South Sudan, Swaziland, El Salvador, Russia, China and Uganda.
Donations are being accepted at the church hall location from Monday through Friday, Nov. 11 through 15. “If you have large pieces, like furniture, we have a pickup truck to transport it for you,” said Jerri. “We appreciate any gently used items for the sale, and we also appreciate anyone who wants to join the team that sews the clothing for the children.”
Call Darlene at (480) 807-2672 to arrange a pickup of donated items, or to answer any questions you my have about Dresses for Orphans. For more information on how to become more involved with the organization and its projects, visit www.dressesfororphans.org.