TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – More than 30 local volunteers are using their sewing skills to help homeless children and families in Tallahassee through A Bag for Hope.
The volunteer group creates handmade bags and other items that are sold at craft shows to raise money for children staying at Hope Community, a family shelter operated by the Big Bend Homeless Coalition.
“At Hope Community, people are building their lives, but there are children involved,” said volunteer Jan Cuddington. “It’s children that need the extra things.”
A Bag for Hope began in 2009 when a retired teacher and a nurse started sewing handbags to raise money for the shelter.
Since then, the group has grown to more than 30 volunteers and has raised more than $150,000 to support families at Hope Community.
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Cuddington said money raised through the group’s sales has helped build a library and playground for children at the shelter.
“Once in a while we get to go over there and see the children using the equipment or doing something with it,” she said as she began to get emotional. “It’s lovely.”
Funds also help families replace essential documents, such as birth certificates and Social Security cards, and pay for items that many children need but cannot afford.
“You can’t compete in a sporting event unless you have a proper uniform or shoes. The types of things that children need to be a part of our community,” Cuddington said.
A bag for Hope is housed inside Fellowship Presbyterian Church. The group is accepting fabric, monetary donations and volunteers.
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