Every Wednesday afternoon, a group of Woodbury women get together to make mittens for needy children in Jamaica.
That's not as crazy as it sounds. The mittens don't go to Jamaica -- they are sold right here in our community, with the proceeds going to Robin's Nest Children's Home near Montego Bay.
Six years ago, Woodbury Lutheran's Mitten Ladies, as the church bulletin calls them, began with a single pattern, the goal to raise a little money, and a couple of interested women who could sew.
They began making women's mittens from donated, repurposed sweaters. As the number of participants grew, and their reputation for making mittens that were warm and well-made grew as well, they added larger sizes for men. Recently, with more than 20 regular volunteers, they started making a few mittens in children's sizes.
Hand-finished with coordinating cuffs and buttons, each fleece-lined pair is a one-of-a-kind work of art that can help change the life of a child thousands of miles away.
Because all of the materials are donated, 100% of the proceeds go to Robin's Nest. The group has raised nearly $100,000, and the money has been used to purchase much-needed vehicles, appliances, a water-holding system, and other miscellaneous items.
The Mitten Ladies welcome new cutters, machine sewers, hand sewers, and designers, and they are also looking for sweater donations, which can be delivered to the church office.
You can find the mittens, which sell for a 'perfect gift' price at $20/pair, around town in December.
Dec. 1, 8:30 - 11:30: Woodbury Lutheran Church Lobby
December 7, 9 am - 5 pm: Guardian Angels Bazaar
December 7, 9 am - 5 pm: King of Kings Lutheran Craft Sale
December 8, 8:30 -- 11:30: Woodbury Lutheran Church Lobby
December 11-12, 9 - 3: Woodbury Lutheran Preschool Holiday Bake Sale
Woodbury Lutheran is located at 7380 Afton Road (just off Valley Creek), 651-739-5144.
