To mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, members of the national nonprofit trade association dedicated to the window covering industry, meet each year to make “anti-ouch pouches” for breast cancer patients.
Since 2008 the Atlanta chapter of Window Coverings Association of America have gotten together in September for this project.
“The WCAA Atlanta chapter decided to make this event a community project to help others,” said Jan Britt, a group member and “Charitable Endeavors” organizer.
“All we want to do is provide people with a little bit of comfort and to let them know that some stranger cares about them,” she said.
Recently, 30 members drove up to 1 ½ hours to meet at the workroom of Judy Jansen-Alcorn Gates in Lilburn to work together in making the Anti-Ouch Pouches.
Some fabric is donated. Other times, it is leftover from a project. It is all saved for this once-a-year event.
From day one, former owner of Designware George Bell has donated the Velcro. The batting is supplied by Kelly Wright, who owns Upholstery Supplies of America.
It takes half a yard and a little over an hour to make a pouch. Two hundred were created for this month’s distribution.
Britt says the pouch resembles a purse. The strap hangs over the shoulder and is adjustable for different activities and one’s height. The batting inside provides a cushion to the sensitive areas.
They include a “convenience” pocket that is perfect for people who have ID’s cells phones or keys that they don’t want to carry around.
An instruction sheet was added by Britt. It tells what it is and how to use it, “cause how in the world are they to know what to do with it?” she said.
“We never know who gets them. It doesn’t matter,” she said. “We get together, have fun and know that we’re doing something special for somebody else.”
The pouches are distributed in October to cancer institutes and/or infusion centers.
“Everyone in this association wants to help each other; there is no competition,” said Britt. “ I’m very grateful for this organization and for those who donate their space, equipment and material for our community event.”
Each Sunday we write about a deserving person or charity events such as fun-runs, volunteer projects and other community gatherings that benefit a good cause. To submit a story for us to cover, email us at ajc.doinggood@gmail.com.
About the Author
