YMCA of El Paso Refugee Project
The YMCA of El Paso, TX is helping with 14,000 displaced refugees from Afghanistan as well as thousands fleeing Central America.
They are collecting all kinds of supplies to help provide basic necessities to those arriving with nothing other than the clothes on their back. We are helping with a select number of items for them as they assist in the resettlement of the thousands of families they are working with.
Their need for items is great and they are collecting many more items then we are helping with. The people are arriving with nothing. Crafting Change would love to help with all of their needs, but we have identified the ways we can help the best as other agencies help with other needs.
what are we crafting?
Item Requested | Craft Type | Quantity Requested | Quantity Still Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
Bags/Backpacks | Sew | 150 | 150 |
Soap Sacks | Sew/Knit/Crochet | 300 | 224 |
Masks: Child (any ages 2-15) | Sew | 75 | 0 |
Masks: Adult | Sew | 225 | 30 |
project must-knows
1) Pandemic Relief - Reusable Cloth Masks
Any Pattern accepted as long as it meets the following guidelines:
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Ages 2-Adult
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2 layer with filter pocket (please include filter) OR
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3 layer (3rd layer cotton or polypropylene)
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Nose wire for children ages 9 and up, unless your mask has a nose dart like the 3D mask or the SSOL mask.
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Adjustable ear loops preferred but not required, this location accepts any type of masks
Fabric: Please avoid using holiday fabric or religious themed fabric for masks.
2) Adult Size Drawstring Back Packs, OR Tote Bags of Any size
We will be crafting Adult size drawstring backpacks to help those newly displaced carry items they are receiving upon arrival. Any of our patterns for tote bags or the adult size drawstring backpack will work. They need bags for for kids, teens and adults.
Fabric: Please avoid using holiday fabric or religious themed fabric for bags and backpacks.
3) Soap Sacks- Hygiene Items are also needed and they would love to receive some soap sacks to distribute. Please include the tag so folks know what they are, how to use them and have the soap so they are usable right away. Including the soap is not required, but very much appreciated for this location as their donations are sporadic of the hygiene items.
masks
We Can Sew It (Rosie)
The original "We Can Sew It" aka Rosie pattern. Can be easily modified to add elastic on the sides by using a bias tape strip instead of ties! Adult size only.
Japanese Sewing Book 3D
Easy 3D (origami) style mask (no nose wire required)! Pattern & Video!
SWO Child Mask Written Instructions
Written instructions for the SWO child mask by Cathie Foard. Especially loved by our Tribal partners.
SWO Child Mask Pattern Templates
Pattern templates in 4 sizes x-small (2-5 years old) to large (12-15 years old) for this popular and easy to sew mask by our friend Cathie Foard from Sewing For Native Peoples.
soap sacks
Soap Sack Tags
A link to S.A.C.K. website for their tags to attach to your Soap Sacks!
Crafting Change Recommended & Tested Yarn List
Recommended & Tested Yarn List for all crafting change partner projects
bags and backpacks
Adult Backpack Fabric & Cord Selection
Short video on how to choose fabric and cording for the adult drawstring backpack
Adult Drawstring Backpack Project Overview & Pattern
Adult Drawstring backpack overview and pattern
shipping guidelines
Please ship your donations whenever you have them, they are urgently needed. This location can accept shipments via USPS, FEDEX and UPS.
YMCA of EL PASO
Attn: Bill Coon
Refugee Project
810 Wyoming Ave.
El Paso, TX 79902