Sewing a smile

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rochelle Clace
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
The sewing ministry at the Little Rock Air Force Base chapel started with a friendship and continues to fashion new ones tied together and united for a good cause that helps people around the world. 

Miss Ora Brown and Ms. Jean Hobbs, a professional seamstress, would always shop together for fabric to supply their growing hobby of making clothes and other crafts.
Ms. Hobbs passed away in hospice and Ms. Brown inherited the fabrics they collected from their many shopping outings. It was at this point that she found the path she was meant to take. 

"I inherited her fabric, a lot of fabric, and I needed something to do with it," said Ms. Brown, the sewing ministry founder. "The Lord had turned me in this direction to serve other people in this way." 

Ms. Brown followed her calling and the sewing ministry was established in October 2004 consisting of five founding members; herself, Ms. Sue Anderson, Ms. Barbara Hamm, Ms. Rachel Whiting and Ms. Kris Barker. 

"I had people who were willing to follow me, they've stayed with me and we've gained more people. It's the warm feeling of helping others, people helping people that draws people to our ministry," said Ms. Brown. 

Among the many projects members have started include the blankets for veterans, blankets for children in the hospital, tote bags for children in Iraq and Afghanistan filled with school supplies and pillows, blankets, and care caps for cancer patients. 

"The first year we started, we gave blankets to hospice and two years ago we gave blankets to a veteran's home in Little Rock," said Ms. Brown. 

The ministry will be providing Veterans Affairs with 30 patriot blankets by Christmas. Every blanket the group gives out is folded delicately and tied with a bow, resembling a gift package. 

Another way the members use their talents is crafting care caps for patients who are going through cancer treatment: the ministry's Care Cap Connections sends the hats to major chemotherapy centers and cancer clinics around the U.S. 

From the day the ministry was established, members have come and gone, but one thing always remains the same...everyone's love of helping others. 

"The thing we all accomplish by doing these things is making other people comfortable and happy. We've seen the need for our caps, the pillows and the blankets and everyone we give a blanket to, they are so thankful," said Ms. Brown. "We enjoy what we do."

Ms. Whiting stated the benefits are not only enjoyed by the recipients. 

"It's a great service to the veterans, children and others because it lets them know that someone is thinking of them," said Ms. Whiting. "It makes me feel like I've got a purpose." 

The group meets every Friday and is open to everyone - even those with no sewing experience. For more information, call the base chapel at 987-6014.