Ortonville- It’s Tuesday afternoon, and several small white sewing machines are in motion at the Edna Burton Senior Center.
Stacks of colorful fabric are nearby and half a dozen women are busy creating items to sell that will ultimately benefit local soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
‘Our group wants to give back to these soldiers who are risking their lives for our safety,? says Jo Miller, who started the Ortonville Sewing Club in June.
The group meets at noon on Tuesdays at the Edna Burton Senior Center, 345 Ball St. Miller notes that many of the women in the 12-member club didn’t know how to use their sewing machines, but now do, and their purpose is to raise funds for worthy causes.
In the past few months, they have made dozens of items, including small purses, pillow carriers, table runners, Christmas stockings, baby blankets and more, all with the intent of selling them at a fall fundraiser on Oct. 18 at the senior center. Fabric has been donated by local residents and Mabelena’s quilting shop. All of the sewing club’s proceeds from sales that day will be used to buy supplies for overseas soldiers.
‘We called the churches and schools to get names of soldiers from the Brandon area so we can send them boxes of goodies they would like to have and are going without over there,? Miller said.
The sewing club is still seeking names of area soldiers. Please call Jo Miller at 248-627-5459. To make a donation, make checks payable to VFW Ladies Auxiliary and mail to Jo Miller, 977 E. Glass Road, Ortonville, MI 48462.