“Broad Street Menders” Looking for Menders!

Broad Street Menders (A Part of Broad Street Ministry) is looking for menders to help with sewing projects for low-income or homeless men and women

“A group of women commscissorsWebitted to mending  for low income or homeless men and women”

History: Broad Street Menders was started four years ago. Most of our menders are from Swarthmore Presbyterian but more and more menders are participating from all over the 5 county Philadelphia area. Periodically we have 12-14 menders but that number changes as circumstances change. You can find us in Philadelphia at the old Chambers Wylie Presbyterian Church at 315 Broad St. (across the street from the Kimmel Center).

Thursday mending has become a very popular service at “Breaking Bread”, a midday meal served at the church. Services during and after the meal include mending, health screenings, mail service, visits to the clothing/personal care closet, and an ongoing art therapy project.

We are looking for Menders! As this program grows, more mending comes in every week and we need more volunteers to staff the program. We need three menders each Thursday.

What sewing levels are needed? Most menders are average sewers. No tailoring is required. We mostly sew on buttons, hem pants (no cuffing),make waist adjustments, mend holes in pockets, sew up open seams, patch clothing, re-attach things, sew up gloves, repair zippers (several menders have this skill but it’s not required), mend backpacks, and on occasion we even duck tape shoes!

What is the commitment? We ask for one Thursday a month from each member. You choose your Thursday. Most menders come by train as parking is challenging. We gather about 10:45 to get the mending room set up and usually leave by 1:15 to get the train your.

Why do we mend? This is a very gratifying ministry. We have grown to see the homeless in a new light as we work side by side with mending friends from far and wide. Our lives are enriched many times over!

How do you get involved? Call Barbara Lappen at 610-541-0143 or e-mail her at blappen@icloud.com She will set up a time for you to be a “guest mender” so that you can see first hand if you find a fit for yourself. If you do —you’re in! Simple. Call today for more information. It’s a great adventure in volunteering.

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