Sonoma Community Center invites public to ‘Dress a Girl’

Sonoma Community Center will host a philanthropic sewing opportunity to support underprivileged girls around the world. The fiber arts department is extending its weekly happy hour gathering to sew dresses for the “Dress a Girl Around the World” campaign led by the not-for-profit organization Hope 4 Women International in an event on Wednesday, Nov. 20.

Dress a Girl Around the World organizes volunteers to gather, sew and distribute dresses to girls in need around the world. Since its inception in October of 2009, the organization has delivered more than one million dresses to 81 countries.

“For most of these girls it is the only gift they will ever receive, and it affords them the dignity of having something beautiful of their own,” said co-organizer Barbara Johnsen in the press materials announcing the event. “This project is a good fit for Sonoma, this is a generous and benevolent community eager to volunteer for a multitude of causes.”

Johnsen noted that many local fundraisers cost hundreds of dollars to attend and are out of reach for many community members to participate in.

“What makes Dress a Girl unique is it costs absolutely nothing to participate, yet has universal appeal and a global reach,” she added. All materials including dress patterns, fabrics and other supplies, have been donated for the event.

“There are spots available for sewers and non-sewers,” said fiber arts department head Eric Jackson added. “We need people who can cut a pattern, help in assembly, as well as sew a simple straight line.” Because space is limited, interested volunteers are asked to sign-up before Saturday, Nov. 16 to reserve a spot.

For more information, visit sonomacommunitycenter.org or call 938-4626 x3.