Love Thy Neighbor Ministries is fortunate to be supported by a dedicated group of women who sew, knit, crochet and do crafts.  These talented ladies, whom we lovingly refer to as our Stitches for Love group, hand-make a variety of beautiful gifts and donate them to the ministry.  These gift items--which include lap blankets and quilts, walker and wheelchair bags, clothes protectors, Activity Aprons and "twiddlemuffs", and Bible covers--are then given out free of charge to the residents of the area nursing homes and assisted living communities.  Since its inception in 2005 this program has produced over ten thousand gifts of individual hand-made items.

 

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so.
(Proverbs 3:27)

The group, some of whom know each other, are from churches throughout Pima County and even as far away as Chicago, Illinois. They work independently at home or in their own small groups, and have come up with many creative ideas for useful items to benefit or please elderly residents.

 

Most of the Stitches For Love women do not feel called to visit in these facilities themselves. They due however recognize the difference it can make to a lonely resident to receive a beautiful hand-crafted gift made for them by a loving stranger.

 

Before they are given to the resident, each piece is identified with a sewn-in label “Made for you by Love Thy Neighbor Ministries” and packaged in a plastic storage bag. Our friendly visitors often mention that they see our hand-made items in use by the residents, who always express their appreciation.