ALLIANCE ? A Northeast Ohio nonprofit that teaches people how to sew, quilt, crochet and knit continues to stretch its Alliance reach.
Sew4Service − and its founder Lucy Kulbago − opened its Alliance location in June 2024 at The Commons at 405 S. Linden St.
Kulbago said Sew4Service is looking for more volunteers who can donate their time regularly, and attract more people to their classes.
She has one part-time staff member and several regular volunteers who help run the chapter and its retail space that sells fabrics and supplies at a discount.
The store, classes and grants help fund the operation. The rest of the work is free. The store has limited hours.
"We would like to expand our store hours, but we need more volunteers that are willing to work different hours," Kulbago said.
In the meantime, the Alliance chapter has had major success with partnerships and connecting with social agencies that want their services.
Sew4Service's Alliance chapter has helped 17 agencies so far
Sew4Service doesn't just teach peple how to sew and knit. People also make and donate items, and crafters who don't have sewing machines can use the studio space.
Here's what the local chapter has done since it opened in June 2024:
Sew4Service also has a sewing machine repair program for individuals. Kellen Davis, the paid chapter coordinator, said not many places in Stark County offer repair services.
Sew4Service stitches partnerships with Mount Union, others
Among the agencies with which Sew4Service has connected are hospitals, shelters, nursing homes and mental health groups.
Its most significant partnership might be with the University of Mount Union, which runs The Commons, and its Regula Center.
Davis, the chapter's coordinator who also taught consumer science for North Canton City Schools, helps Mount Union students with take-and-make service projects for local organizations
The center's annual report for 2024-25 said students made blankets, pillowcases, burp rags and other items for senior citizens and others.
"I really enjoy it. I can still teach students without being a full-time teacher," Davis said.
Sew4Service volunteers have also hemmed curtains for daycares, and repaired leather belts. They do not work on wedding dresses.
Kulbago also said the Alliance location helps with special requests from agencies. They've assisted in creating special fidgety blankets, woven holiday bags and custom sews.
"So, lot of connections," she said.
Sew4Service is headquartered in Euclid and boats 12 satelitte locations and four chapters − Alliance, Euclid, Lakewood and Florence, Ala.
To learn more about Sew4Service, visit sew4service.org. The local chapter also has its own Facebook page.