LAKEWOOD —In the spring of 2014, four women decided they wanted to do more with their hobbies of sewing, crocheting and knitting. They wanted to give back to the community — to donate handcrafted items to people who may not have the privilege of obtaining them for themselves.
Thus, All Comforting Things of Colorado Inc. was born.
The founders — Sue King, Nancy Shepard, Debbie Perri and Linda Kilpatrick — started with their mission: “Dedicated to bringing comfort, encouragement and kindness by giving handcrafted items to individuals in need.” From there, they branched out and recruited more members.
The group now consists of 20 to 25 artisans and meets on the third Thursday of every month at Phillips United Methodist Church, 1450 S. Pierce St., in Lakewood.
“I sincerely believe that by reaching out and giving an individual an item that is made with love, they might know that there are people who care, and that will be enough to help them regain confidence and redirect their life,” Shepard said.
At the meetings, members do a show-and-tell of everything they made that month that they’re donating.
Shepard stood up with three various-sized crocheted hats.
“I made a trio: a mama bear, papa bear and baby bear,” Shepard said. “Hopefully, they’ll keep a family warm.”
Other members made scarves, paintings, hats, ponchos, quilts, mittens and bags.
At each meeting, community yarn, fabric, string and other craft items are available for members to choose from for their next projects.
“I have a lot of things this month,” said member Carolyn Evans. “Most of mine are made from things I picked up here, like the fleece and flannel.”
With the colder weather, recipients of donations are requesting more items.
“The Action Center said they’re hearing more and more requests for blankets for their families sleeping in cars, as well as families who are just moving into their houses and need bedding,” King said.
The ” — is a regular recipient of the handcrafted items.
“The group All Comforting Things is a longtime supporter of the Action Center,” said Barbara Penning, the organization’s director of volunteer programs and in-kind donations. “Besides hats, scarves and throws, they made the most amazing pencil cases from fabric scraps and even duct tape for the students during our school supply distribution in August.”
Another recipient, Megan’s Place, 6175 W. 38th Ave., Wheat Ridge, raves about the group. that helps parents of children with developmental disabilities get some time for themselves.
“They are wonderful and always asking if there is anything else we could use,” said Kristin Smock, the group’s director of operations. “Most recently they made us some blankets and cushions for kids to sit on during story time. The items are supercute and our kids love them.”
All Comforting Things also donates to Jefferson County Human Services, the Jeffco Prosperity Project, Denver Health Pediatric ER, Briarwood Health Care Center, Valor Point and Villa Manor Care Center.
The types of donations that the nonprofit gives depends on the recipients: They like to give useful gifts, like the dolls that King has donated to the Denver Health Pediatric ER.
“She made small fabric dolls that they could use to teach children about injections and help explain surgeries,” Shepard said.
The group loves to be creative and think outside of the box.
“No one has to call us or contact us — just stop by,” Shepard said. “The more people we have, the more we can donate!”
Catherine Elsby: celsby@denverpost.com
All comforting things
The next meeting is at 10 a.m. Dec. 17 at Phillips United Methodist Church, 1450 S. Pierce St., Lakewood.
