Lydia’s Ladies: Volunteers Sewing for Vulnerable Kids and Adults

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Right in the heart of Clayton, Ohio, there’s a remarkable group of women who call themselves Lydia’s Ladies. Through sewing, they’re quietly making a real difference in their community.

This sewing circle, inspired by Lydia from the Bible, isn’t just about creating beautiful things. They’re spreading love and care to vulnerable kids and adults, one stitch at a time.

The Origins of Lydia’s Ladies

It all started with a simple idea from a woman named Place. She wanted to gather women who wanted to learn and practice sewing.

She didn’t have a detailed plan—just a hope that people would show up. To her surprise, fifteen women came to that first meeting, and Lydia’s Ladies came to life.

The group began by making lap quilts. They donated these to nursing homes in Brookville.

Expanding Their Mission

As more women joined, the group’s mission grew, too. They decided to help children in the community as well.

In their first year, they made lap quilts and pillowcases for Artemis House. After that, they teamed up with Acumen Therapeutics, a local organization for kids facing behavioral, mental, and physical health challenges.

Lydia’s Ladies sewed pillowcases and lap quilts for kids attending Acumen’s summer camp. Around Christmastime, they added activity books, games, stuffed animals, snacks, crafts, and Bibles to their gifts.

Supporting Foster Care with Isaiah’s Place

Twice a year, Lydia’s Ladies reach out to Isaiah’s Place, a foster care agency in Troy. They bring lap quilts, pillowcases, and small gifts, making sure the gifts fit the different ages of kids in foster care.

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Robby Lybarger, Director of Operations at Isaiah’s Place, says he’s deeply grateful for the thoughtful gifts from Crestview Baptist Church, where Lydia’s Ladies meet. The group tries to make sure every child gets something they’ll truly like.

Creating a Welcoming and Inclusive Environment

Lydia’s Ladies, named after the biblical seller of purple cloth, is mostly women, but young boys who want to sew are welcome, too. Every Tuesday, they gather at Crestview Baptist Church, where three closets overflow with supplies.

Donated sewing machines are free for anyone to use. They sew, chat, and once a month, share a carry-in lunch.

The group’s camaraderie is pretty special. Together, they’ve made bibs and fidget cloths for children, and also for adults in memory care units at local nursing homes.

The Impact of Lydia’s Ladies

Andrea Allen, founder and CEO of Acumen Therapeutics, says the kindness from Lydia’s Ladies matters a lot. She’s convinced that when people gather with a purpose, real change can happen for kids.

How You Can Help

Lydia’s Ladies could always use more supplies to keep their mission going. Since Joann’s closed, finding fabric has gotten tougher.

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Here’s what they’re looking for right now:

  • Cotton and Flannel material (even older or unused pieces are great)
  • Zippers (all lengths)
  • Thread
  • Gift cards in small amounts (places like McDonald’s or Wendy’s)
  • Cash donations
  • Colored pencils
  • Activity books
  • Fruit rollups
  • Socks
  • Hats and Gloves

You can drop off donations from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday, at Crestview Baptist Church, 6600 Salem Avenue, Clayton, Ohio 45315. If you want more info, just call (937) 854-6300.

Conclusion

Lydia’s Ladies shows just how much a small, dedicated group can change lives. Their work brings comfort and a bit of joy to vulnerable children and adults.

Honestly, it’s kind of inspiring to see how they use sewing to spread kindness. If you support Lydia’s Ladies, you’re helping them keep this mission alive.

Curious for more details? You can check out the full article on Dayton Daily News.

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