By Eliana Shenk ’24, staff writer
A sewing service project has begun at LVC to provide necessary supplies for underprivileged people around the world.
In many parts of the world, people do not have the supplies they need which so many others take for granted. Whether it be a backpack or blanket, many individuals do not have access to these important resources. This project hopes to be a source of those necessary supplies.
“We’re going to be making reusable feminine hygiene kits, which is huge for underserved parts of the world,” Jennifer Liedtka, coordinator of service and volunteerism, said. “In certain underdeveloped areas girls just won’t go to school when they get their period, so when you think about supporting education of women in certain countries, it’s huge.”
The project will also include making school bags for kids in underprivileged communities, bags with coloring books and other items for kids in hospitals and fidget blankets for older adults with dementia or people rebuilding fine motor skills.
Anyone who is interested can get involved in this project. Volunteers will use sewing machines, cut fabric or help in other ways regardless of sewing skills. This project also includes older members of the community to get students connected with others outside the campus bubble.
“We’re going to invite some folks from the community with the hope of this being an intergenerational experience,” Liedtka said.
This project provides a great opportunity to serve those in need while also learning sewing, a great life skill, and gaining wisdom from other generations.
In addition to the sewing service project, there will be opportunities to serve for breast cancer awareness on Oct. 24 and Oct. 25. The Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition’s traveling photo exhibit, representing the stories of 67 women from 67 counties impacted by breast cancer, is also on display in the Bishop Library until Oct. 31.
Throughout the whole month of November, LVC service projects will be focused on hunger and homelessness for hunger and homelessness awareness week from Nov. 12-20.
Anyone interested in getting more information about the sewing service project or other upcoming service events can email Jennifer Liedtka at liedtka@lvc.edu. Students can get involved by signing up for the next meeting or other service projects on Redbook.