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VIP Ladies Stitch for Children
- Updated: January 6, 2017
Sassy Stitchers show off their collection of sock dolls donated to young trauma victims. Photos: Bill Keltner/LFN
“It’s a work of love”
Bill Keltner
A group of La Feria ladies and Winter Texans staying at VIP La Feria RV Park started a project last fall that has really helped many local families. They put their sewing skills to work making sock dolls which are donated to the La Feria Police Department and the Fire Department.
The recipients of the handiwork are children who have experienced a traumatic event in their young lives. The police officers and fire fighters meet children who would appreciate their own cuddly doll to hold and treasure as they receive treatment and therapy for their condition, and they volunteer to distribute them.
Pat Holmes shows how it’s done.
The idea originated with visitor Jan Snyder. She is from Michigan and said, “We had a service group back home that worked closely with the police and firemen. They often found children who had suffered traumatic accidents, burns, abuse–and in other ways.
They saw the need for comfort for these little innocent victims. It was truly a work of love. So, a group of us ladies got together last September here at the park and have been busy turning out sock dolls to be donated to children in the area.”
The ladies involved at present are: Frances Choate, Lynn Huncovsky, Jan Snyder, Sally Giacomo, Marlys Weaver, Fern Duncan, Linda Kenny, Linda Job, Lodi Slosson, Becky Raymond, Patsy Holmes and Linda Halterman. “We expect many more as more Winter Texans arrive for the winter,” Jan said.
The office staff at VIP La Feria RV Park – Staff Member Sally Giacomo, Park Managers John and Ruth Dearinger, and Ross Giacomo, staff member.
Ruth and John Dearinger have been managing the VIP La Feria RV Park for the past 10 years. The park provides the space for the group to gather and do their charitable work.
“It’s just part of the services and activities we provide for our people,” Ruth said, then added, “That’s probably part of the reason we have been awarded the honor of being named ‘Park of the Year’ three times in the past four years by the Texas Recreational Vehicle Association.
Jan said, “We call ourselves the Sassy Stitchers, and love to put a little sunshine into the lives of children who have experienced traumatic events in their young loves.
“It’s a work of love”
