Sew in love: Little Rock Air Force Base Sewing Ministry

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Regina Agoha
  • 19th Airlift Wing/Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  Though seemingly simple and insignificant as individual tools, when combined, needles and some fabric can produce the most beautiful creations. From simple and humble beginnings, an idea that was combined with love and compassion, developed into something great. Ten years ago, Ora Brown, Little Rock Air Force Base chapel volunteer and president of the sewing ministry, wanted to do something to help others. Today, she along with her crew do just that by making cancer caps, pillows and blankets for veterans, cancer patients and others in need.

Brown said the inspiration of this idea sprung from the death of close friend who passed away from cancer.

"The sewing ministry was born in 2004," said Brown. "A friend of mine and I used to shop together a lot. She was sick with cancer and passed away. Before she passed, we would buy a lot of fabric and would always joke with each other and say, 'whoever dies first will inherit the fabric,'" she said with a bittersweet smile. "When she passed, I went to the Lord and asked, 'what am I going to do with all this?' He brought me here."

Brown said she started out with five members making blankets for the Arkansas Hospice, the place where her friend passed. Ten years later, Brown, 78, is proud to say that she and her group of now 18-20, make pillows and head caps for patients with Breast Cancer, blankets for the Veteran's Hospital, Veteran's Home, Ronald McDonald House, St. Jude's Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., as well as the Little Rock Dorcas House, to name a few. The sewing ministry has also made blankets for the Bundles for Babies program at the Airman and Family Readiness Center on base. Brown and the sewing ministry also donate their time and services to other causes when called upon.

Brown recalls a time when the ministry made 100 blankets for the VA Hospital in Fort Ruth, Ark.,.

"It was a blessing to do that for them," she said. "We just made a party out of it. We sat and talked and played cards with them. It was fun."

Brown said she is honored to be able to do the things she does for people who need it.

"We put a lot of time and love into what we do. It makes me feel wonderful to know people appreciate it," she said. "Making cancer caps for patients is a blessing," she said. "For women who've lost their hair, I know it helps them with their confidence. I know some people cut their hair because they want to for fashion but most of these cancer patients don't want to lose their hair. Making pillows for patients who go through chemo makes me feel good because if the pillows can relieve the pressure from the surgeries and therapy treatments, I'm glad I've helped, even if just a little."

Because everything given is free, Brown said she is grateful for the donations given to the ministry. She said they help out tremendously. The sewing ministry has been given donations such as sewing machines, fabrics and money. People also donate their time to help the ministry deliver the items.

Typically, when one thinks of a sewing group, there's an automatic assumption that it's for the elderly or widowed. The ages for the current volunteers range from early thirties to early eighties. Brown said the ministry is a fun, stress free group to be in.

"Everything is free," she said. "It's all about helping others and it's ok if you can't sew. You can iron, cut, pin or tie. We have lots of things to do," she said with a convincing smile. "The fellowship is so wonderful. Everyone gets along and is happy. No stress. Aug. 30 was a down day for us, but they didn't care. They still came in to sew. They wanted to be here."

One of Brown's future goals for the ministry is for them to be able to do on base. She would also like more people to know about it and hopefully have more people volunteer.

"We want to help in every way we can," Brown said. "Our blankets, caps and pillows don't just stay here. Our love through our sewing has spread to other states and we want it to continue to spread. It's amazing. You don't realize how much this ministry has reached and touched so many other lives. I'm just honored to be a part of it."