Volunteers and supplies needed for Fidget Mat-Making Service Day
Press release from North Florida Sewing Center
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Volunteer sewists are invited to assist in the production of Fidget Mats for people with dementia on Saturday, February 3, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The North Florida Sewing Center is hosting this event to support the local needs of Haven Hospice and VITAS Hospice patients.
Fidget Mats are about the size of a placemat and are set on the laps of adults with dementia. They have all sorts of items attached to them, including zippers, buttons, laces, snaps, small toys, and even marbles stitched into tulle mazes. These items give the patient something to do and explore with restless hands. This helps them to relax, practice motor skills, and even reduces memory loss.
North Florida Sewing Center has invited The Rippers to come from Jacksonville to guide our local volunteers, as they have experience making Fidget Mats. Community members and the hospice agencies have donated some supplies, but the more items there are, the more mats can be made.
Volunteers with some sewing machine experience are needed to make this event a success. Bring your own sewing machine or borrow one from North Florida Sewing Center. Community members may drop off any donations before, or on, February 3.
North Florida Sewing Center is open 10:30-5:00, seven days a week. It is located on the east side of Wesley UMC (the parking lot is on the west side of the church). 826 NW 23rd Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32609.
Fidget Mat supplies n:eeded
- Placemats of Heavy Fabrics (used as a base – stains or damage are OK)
- Denim or other heavy fabric
- Buttons
- Zippers
- Seashells that have holes in them to string
- Beads (larger sizes)
- Buckles
- Velcro
- Stuffed Animals or Toys (very small – to put into pockets)
- Fabric with small eye-catching graphics we can cut out
- Ribbons
- Pockets
- Keys
- Bolts and Nuts (no sharp points)
- Fishing Tackle (no hooks)
- Small toy cars
- Marbles
- Tulle