What Is Creative Giving?

Mary Jo Wright

At the recent SaddleBrooke Ranch (SBR) art fair, I asked visitors, “Do you know what Creative Giving is?” Most people were unaware of this SBR group, headed by co-chairs Dian Gowen and Linda Shannon-Hills, with over 60 volunteers. Creative Giving makes a myriad of items to donate to 10 different charities to support families in the Greater Tucson area. Examples include layette sets; infant toys; string backpacks for foster children filled with basic toiletries and a blanket; and support items for seniors and physically challenged people. Charities they support:

1. Christ Childservice to children in need

2. Family First—diaper bank, teen mentoring, story time, school supplies

3. Mending Soulsjob training

4. Impact of South Arizona

5. Mountain Vista School-Oracle

6. Kids ClosetOracle

7. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleepblankets, bears, hearts

8. SBR residents in need

9. Assisted living and memory care

10. ARK Random Acts of Kindness

How to Help?

* Donate money (to buy fabric, zippers, stuffing)

* Donate small travel toiletries

* Join Creative Giving and come once a month to help cut out patterns, sew, or stuff toys

* Buy the items Creative Giving makes as gifts

Best of all, this is a very friendly group!

To learn more or join us, contact Dian Gowen at [email protected] or Linda Shannon-Hills at [email protected].