The Salvation Army Greater Pittsburgh Women’s Auxiliary Goes Green While Giving Back
PITTSBURGH (March 21, 2023) – The Salvation Army Greater Pittsburgh Women’s Auxiliary will be hosting the next Spring Fabric Fair fundraiser on Saturday, April 15, 2023. The Salvation Army has been upcycling and turning old items into new hope for more than 100 years through the organization’s thrift stores. Locally in Western Pennsylvania, the Greater Pittsburgh Women’s Auxiliary has been hosting Fabric Fair fundraisers for 36 years where donated fabrics, yarn and crafting supplies find new life.
“We’re the ultimate recyclers, a lot of this would be tossed,” Mary Ann Rodman, who has been part of the Women’s Auxiliary for almost 13 years, said. “I enjoy the camaraderie of the Women’s Auxiliary and at the end of the day, I feel like I’m doing some good.”
Since its inception, the annual Fabric Fair has raised more than $680,000, with all proceeds providing critical assistance to struggling individuals and families throughout Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. The dedicated women behind these popular fundraisers work tirelessly throughout the year collecting donations, measuring and cutting fabrics, pricing items and working out the logistics for these events in both the spring and fall. Their philanthropic efforts go well beyond the popular fairs.
“If you wonder how you can do good in the world, you’ll find it here,” Linda Yonek, who joined the auxiliary after she retired back in 2010, said. “People here are wonderful; it inspires you to be more active.” Yonek is heavily involved in her community outside of The Salvation Army. She uses her talents to make a variety of original items to help people, including prayer pillows and caddies to hold items for those in walkers. Many members give back in a number of ways, including Carole Hankle who has made thousands of infant burial gowns for families experiencing loss.
Joan Wylie, who has been volunteering with the Women’s Auxiliary six years, makes dresses for children living in Africa and feminine hygiene pads that can be used by women in need across the globe. Wylie encourages attendees of the upcoming Spring Fabric Fair to come and ask questions of the volunteers and be inspired to make their own original creations.
“It’s a welcoming group, Wylie said. “It’s nice to know I’ve done something to help other people.”
Bertha McGinnis has been with Women’s Auxiliary for more than 15 years. In addition to volunteering with The Salvation Army, she makes lap robes for nursing homes and shut-ins. McGinnis has a deeply personal connection to The Salvation Army and says, “The Salvation Army has always been my favorite charity.”
Even those who are newer to the group, like April Minech who volunteered for the first time on a Wednesday in March, says she is already “so impressed with this group” and now has so many ideas about how she can donate her time and skills. “I have so much stuff sitting at home, this could be a catalyst to turn those items into good.”
For more than three decades, these popular Fabric Fair fundraisers have offered bargains on elegant fabric, beautiful upholstery, yarns, notions and ‘sew’ much more! Crafters and creators are invited to the sale beginning 8:30 a.m. and concluding at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 15 at The Salvation Army Pittsburgh Temple Worship and Service Center, located at 1060 McNeilly Road in Pittsburgh. For more information call 412-446-1500 or visit salvationarmywpa.org/fabricfair. You can also follow the Greater Pittsburgh Women’s Auxiliary on Facebook to learn how you can get involved.
Save the date for the Fall Fabric Fair, coming up on Saturday, September 9, 2023.
Celebrating over 150 years of global service as both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 132 countries worldwide. The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, visit salvationarmywpa.org. The Salvation Army … doing the most good for the most people in the most need.