United Methodist Women from Decatur Christ UMC completed 24 sleep mats and presented them to Jerry Pelz, director of Northeast Community Fund.
Pictured from left are: Karen Rivera, Ruth Berneking, Erma Lewis, Pelz, Lea Carls, Mary Fergason.
The women spent several weeks cutting plastic shopping bags into strips and then crocheting them into 3’ by 6’ sleep mats; there are between 500 – 600 bags used to make each mat. The mats will be given to the community’s homeless population to be used as a barrier between the damp ground and bedding or clothing. After using the ground mat, it can be rolled up and carried like a backpack with a strap that is included with the finished product.
A card was attached to each mat with a scripture from Proverbs 3:24, “When you lie down, you will not be afraid. When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” Made with love by United Methodist Women, Christ UMC, Decatur, IL.
Photo courtesy of Karen Rivera