Interview with Sara Crabtree

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 1^st 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.