Comforting the needy through Comforters for Relief
Anything that is warm and inviting, that is what makes a perfect comforter.
Whether it is to wrap up in, tuck into bed at night or lay on the ground for a softer sleeping area at night, as is the case in many Third World countries, the name comforter pretty much says it all when it comes to providing aid for those in need.
On Tuesday, Feb. 25, locals will have an opportunity to unite in a giant comfort-making session which should provide dozens of comforters for people both locally and worldwide.
Comforters for Relief is the brainchild of Alan Zinck, owner of Zinck’s Fabric Outlet and the Holmes County Amish Flea Market.
The comfort-making event will feature a three-session get-together at the Holmes County Amish Flea Market, in which participants don’t have to bring anything other than their expertise and their scissors.
“Women who enjoy making comforters can come and sit for a session, or even all day if they want to, and make comforters for those in need,” said Zinck. “The material will already be cut, and the frames will be set up and ready to go at 8 a.m. All they need to do is sit down and get to work.”
Zinck said that the local community is well known for its ability to create stunning comforters and quilts for mission projects. In addition, he noted that community churches, families and organizations love getting together to chat while assembling and sewing, so the combination of the two seemed like a perfect fit.
“This community has such a heart for helping others,” said Zinck. “The goal is to provide comforters to Christian Aid Ministries, Haiti, Mennonite Central Committee, CAMO, the American Red Cross or to whatever organizations in which there may be a need.”
Zinck is inviting all area church groups, organizations, families, individuals and anyone else who has the heart to help and the hands to stitch, sew and assemble to sign up for the event.
Zinck’s Fabric Outlet will supply all of the fabric, and Zinck said that much of the material is fabric which a lot of people might not think of using while putting together a comforter.
The idea, he said, is to learn how to make comforters which are not necessarily beautiful, but instead focus on being functional, with the purpose of meeting people’s needs.
“I think sometimes we just need to think outside of the box,” said Zinck. “People in Haiti or Africa and other third world countries love some fabric designs that our conservative area wouldn’t ever consider. But this is about serving others. I think this will be a lot of fun and very productive. This is a great mission outreach, and we are providing all of the materials needed to make the comforters. All we need is everyone’s experience in making comforters.”
Because of the limited space, Zinck is asking all participants to call ahead to reserve a place for one of the sessions. People may attend mutliple sessions. Groups, families, and individuals can sign up by calling 330-893-0900. If anyone is planning on attending all day, there will not be food available at the flea market.
The sessions will run from approximately 8 a.m.-noon, noon-4 p.m. and 4-8 p.m.