There are several different ways to help in the CareMATers ministry:
1.Save plastic grocery bags. It takes about 1000 bags to make just one mat, so we are always looking for more. But, because the bags must all be the same size and thickness to work in our pattern, there are a few specific stores we can accept bags from:
- Bags we CAN use: Bakers, Fresh Thyme, HyVee, SuperSaver, Walmart, Fareway, Target (white bags only -- gray bags are too thick), IGA
- Bags we CANNOT use: Newspaper bags, produce bags, CVS, Walgreen's, Dollar Tree, Dollar General, Kohl's, JoAnn's, Hobby Lobby, Michael's.
2. Sort, flatten, and cut.
The CareMATer team meets three Wednesdays a month in the Student Ministry large group room to process the bags. Others collect materials from the church and complete this process at home too.
3. Crochet.
4. Bless + Pray. Several times a year, the Sunday congregation blesses and prays over the finished mats before they are delivered.
4. Deliver finished mats.
For additional information, contact:
Sandi Smith at smiths4@cox.net or 402-334-7831
Linda Hughes at lindavail425@gmail.com or 402-895-6907
Director of Caring Ministries Vikki O'Hara at vikki.ohara@faithwestwood.com
Ready to get started? Detailed written instructions can be found here.
We have an instructional video too: