MAT Ministry

PebbleCreek Initiative

MAT Ministry

 

This is a story about plastic grocery bags being transformed into sleeping mats. It started when PebbleCreek resident, Kathy Cheek, delivered water to a homeless shelter in Phoenix on a 105 degree day and saw a woman sleeping on the bare, burning asphalt. Kathy remembered an initiative from her church in Kansas City, that made sleeping mats out of plastic shopping bags. The idea has become a reality in PebbleCreek with volunteers and an attitude of caring.

Each month, under Kathy’s direction, folks meet to cut flattened grocery bags into strips which are tied together to make plastic yarn, nick named “pl-arn.”  Unclean or crumpled bags are not usable but flattened bags of all colors work fine. Next, volunteers roll the pl-arn into balls. Finally, using large sized crochet hooks, the pl-arn is woven into 3’x 6’ rectangle mats. This mat size provides cushion and insulation for any sleeping surface. The mats are washable; just hose them down. Some may also be used as blankets. A strap is included to make the rolled mat easily carried. 

Carol P. has been volunteering for over a year and has made 100 mats herself. Laurie S. and Ruth W. join in prepping materials. Jean K has been involved for the last year but like some volunteers, she does not crochet. Truly many households can participate in some way with this project. Saving bags or volunteering is easy.  Kathy and team make a delivery to Phoenix when a carload of 50 mats is ready. Literally, hundreds of mats made in PebbleCreek have been given to Andre House at 213 S. 11th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85007, an organization providing services like a clothing closet, laundry, showers, and dinner, six days a week, Saturday-Thursday. For more about this outreach: www.andrehouse.org 

For most, falling into need is temporary, making caring services an important part of returning many brothers and sisters to a better situation. Recently, the PebbleCreek Community Church, where Kathy is a Deacon, adopted this initiative as a Supported Mission. To qualify, a Mission must demonstrate mercy, love and care for others, providing the opportunity to use the God Given gifts of the PebbleCreek community for the support of others while advancing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A Bible scripture verse is attached to each mat and Kathy’s group prays over the carload before delivery. The success of this project bears witness to how one kind-hearted person with an idea can mobilize a community to help hundreds of people simply needing a better place to lay their heads. 

If you are interested in helping by being a resourceful recycler, preparing the pl-arn, or crocheting, many are needed to keep this project going. To donate bags, and learn more about volunteering, contact kathycheek5371@gmail.com