I interviewed Sister Sara Crabtree, who was one of the beginning influences in starting Sew Much Love! What a fun way to celebrate our 6 year anniversary!
1. How long have you been involved with Sew Much Love?
A
year into my calling as Stake Relief Society President, we were discussing ideas for meaningful
service opportunities for the women of our Stake during Pres Mtg; Sis Andrea Ellis, then 1st
counselor, told us her mom had mentioned a weekly Humanitarian Service they had
there in Utah and I remembered such a meeting being announced in MY mom’s UT
ward also --so my next trip to UT
shortly thereafter, I contacted the person in charge of the Humanitarian service in American Fork, uT and spent a morning with her seeing what they did and
asking questions. Pres Miles wholeheartedly
approved of the idea when I brought back my suggestions of how and why we should
introduce a like service in our stake.
So realistically, I guess you could say I’ve been involved with Sew Much
Love almost a year more than it’s officially been in existence because it took 10
months to get the initial organizing approved and functional, plus the supplies
needed in place to begin!
2. What is it that you do?
For
the past 6 years, I have been the Chief Financial Officer and Official Representative
of the Humanitarian Service for not only our Stake, but the Auburn Community
and the organizations we have partnered with to provide our services. With my recent release, we are in the process
of determining what my official role will be on the Humanitarian Committee, but
I will always been involved in furthering the amazing things we can accomplish
together as women in this great service!
What we need to do next is bring
the women of our Auburn community to come participate with us!!
3. What is your favorite project?
The Organ Donor Quilts we
make for LifeCenter Northwest hold a very warm spot in my heart. We were asked
to design and make a quilt that would symbolize and commemorate the gift of
life-giving organs donated by the families who unexpectedly lose a young child. It has
been a great privilege to be part of the service this wonderful organization provides
to the families at a very traumatic time in their lives. There is a sweet spirit of Christlike love
and caring that permeates the friendships we have developed through our
association in this selfless work.
4. Why do you love to go?
I
LOVE the opportunity to get to know sisters of all ages throughout the stake as
we visit together while providing worthwhile service! Laughter echoes throughout the Cultural Hall
from the joined conversations of the sisters and the young children who play
together as we work. It is a divine
setting!
5. What miracles have you seen?
Having
reached 6 years of service and seeing the liaisons we have developed with
organizations like Harborview Pediatric Critical Care Unit and LifeCenter
Northwest are miracles we could not imagine happening when we first
started! There have been miracles
CONSTANTLY along the way; every time we needed someone or something the way
opened up –it’s been unbelievable!! For
example: After we had been going along
OK for a couple years, we reached a point where we were dangerously low on
supplies we needed to continue making quilts and no funds available. As we contemplated launching another request
for donations from the stake, we were informed that a member of our committee
had a neighbor ask her if she knew anyone who could use large quantities of
fabric from their recently passed mother’s sewing room. Shortly thereafter, 2 vans loaded floor to
ceiling with primo quilting fabric arrived at the Stake Center; we are still using some of the fabric to
produce quilts today!
6. What blessings have you seen?
Being
involved and belonging to a group providing such worthwhile service has changed
the lives of women in our stake, including my own! Some sisters who struggled with finding their
place in the Church family have found a “home” where they feel needed and
appreciated; young mothers can bring their children and associate with and
learn from women of all ages while getting a break from their continual routine
of childcare at home; non-sewers have participated in our beginning sewing
classes and learned a new useful skill; sisters who cannot attend weekly
meetings are still able to contribute and participate in the creative
experience of making quilt tops at home.
On
the other side of this service is the feedback we get from the families who are
so appreciative of the time and selfless service given for their benefit. For some reason, the idea that a quilt or
item is made by a bunch of “church ladies” strikes a chord with the
recipients! They universally express the
sense of warmth and caring they receive that comforts them at a trying time in
their lives.
7. What do you love most about Sew Much Love?
I LOVE SEEING
WHAT WOMEN CAN ACCOMPLISH IN FAITH WHEN THEY SET THEIR MINDS AND HEARTS TO THE
EFFORT!
8. Your testimony
From
the first time the idea of an ongoing Stake Humanitarian Service came up, I
KNEW it was what the Lord wanted to happen for our women. Through the rather daunting task of starting
something not done before, His help was greatly needed and constantly
requested—ideas came, solutions were found, people caught the vision, support was
received, progress was made, MIRACLES HAPPENNED!! When concerns arose, I KNEW that because the
Lord’s Hand has been present constantly through every level of this service a
solution would be found. I KNOW He blesses
us in whatever way is needed when we are willing to go out of our comfort zone
to stretch and serve. And I know with
the Lord’s help, women of faith can accomplish absolutely astounding
things! I look forward to working
alongside the dedicated women who serve so faithfully and valiantly in this
service as we continue to seek ways we can help and bless lives in our
community.
