Seamsters of all ages from Ascension Church in Chesterfield created drawstring bags from fabric donated by Sunshine Drapery.
Small businesses in the St. Louis Region provide critical support for the community programs of Assistance League of St. Louis (ALSTL).
Sunshine Drapery Customer Service Manager Barbara Vogel and Owner/President Bruce Bernstein outside their showroom after donating fabric
Sunshine Drapery recently donated fabric for cloth bags, which volunteers pack with essential items for women and children in shelters and other children and families in crisis. The bags are distributed through Project ROSE and Outreach.
“This partnership has allowed ALSTL to provide beautiful packaging for those we serve, “ said Judy McKay, Co-Chair of Project ROSE. “Sunshine Drapery has supported us in the past, and their recent fabric donation came at just the right time. We have developed a new partnership with Ascension Church in Chesterfield. ASTL volunteer Theresa Bichsel led a class on how to make the drawstring bags, and Ascension ‘seamsters’ of all ages are creating the bags for us.”
McKay’s Co-Chair Beth Yeck said, “Buff City Soap, another ALSTL business donor, and Magnolia Soap provided some of their colorful and fragrant soaps. Their soaps are one of the important hygiene items in our bags and help those we serve feel cared for and valued.”
ALSTL Public Relations Chair Jayne Foley talked about the contributions of still another community partner. “Yarncom is next-door neighbor to Fantastic Finds, our upscale resale shop in Creve Coeur. And what a good neighbor they are! Owner Heather Swan promotes our shop to her customers and is now providing yarn to us. Our own volunteers and residents at Creek Haven Retirement Community use the yarn to knit hats and scarves, which are used in several of our programs.”
ALSTL President Sandy Thal said, “Partnerships are key to increasing the impact of our programs. Whether it be a large corporation or foundation, a community agency, another nonprofit, a school district or a local business, our partners help us fulfill our mission to support student success and help children and families in crisis. Sometimes a little assistance is all it takes to change lives.”
