Sew-N-Sews club members are preparing to put their sewing and other projects aside for an afternoon to take part in a fashion show that highlights clothing that are available at an upscale Chandler charity thrift store.
Mary Louise Lansbarkis, president of the Sew-N-Sews, said she and several others will model casual and dressy fashions that they have purchased from Assistance League East Valley during the fashion show.
Lois Katzin, a 93-year-old former model who volunteers for Assistance League East Valley, will moderate the Wednesday, Jan. 11, show.
Lansbarkis, a Sun Lakes resident who also volunteers for Assistance League East Valley, said anyone is welcome to attend the fashion show.
“The clothes that they sell are nice and very reasonable,” Lansbarkis said.
The Assistance League East Valley also supports a variety of philanthropic programs, including Operation School Bell, which provides thousands of young students with uniforms and school clothing.
The Sew-N-Sews are 140 women who live in Sun Lakes and the surrounding areas, Lansbarkis said.
The group, which meets between September and May, features a variety of activities and classes for its members.
“We do anything having to do with needles and thread,” she said.
“I’m a sewer and I like the make jackets, but we also have the Dolly Dressers group that fixes dolls and then gives them away, and we have others who make tiny layettes for preemie babies.”
People who enjoy beading, embroidery and knitting will also find camaraderie and more at the Sew-N-Sews gatherings, she said.
“One of the biggest things we do are our Pads for Pals, where we take pillow cases and fill them with 1-inch squares of fabric,” she said.
The washable pads are ideal for dogs and cats to lie on, and they have also donated them to homeless veterans who have pets, Lansbarkis said.
“When we meet, we get together and show what we have done. I used to play golf, but now I’d rather just spend my money on fabric,” she said.
Members of the Sew-N-Sews donate their extra fabric to Assistance League East Valley, Lansbarkis said.
Marsha Speicher, a board member with Assistance League East Valley, said they accept donations from the public including women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, handbags, shoes, ties, hats, jewelry and other items.
“We have a ‘home depot’ department where you might find tools, gadgets, walkers, and sports equipment,” Speicher said.
Speicher said she is looking forward to the fashion show, which she said will be a lot of fun for both the models and the audience.
“It is also a great opportunity for others to learn about Assistance League of East Valley and the many philanthropic programs we support. People are so surprised at the wonderful items they can find at our shop. We are all volunteers, we have no paid staff, and all of our profits go right back to the community.”
The fashion show will start at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, at Sun Lakes Country Club, 25601 S. Sun Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes.
Assistance League East Valley is located at 2326 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler. For more information, visit assistanceleagueeastvalley.org.
