Putting Plastic Bags to Good Use
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Putting Plastic Bags to Good Use

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May 15, 2017

Written by Katie Kuhn, United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County

Imagine a craft project that is simple, fun, and offers comfort to those experiencing homelessness while protecting the environment…it sounds too good to be true!

Kati Meyerhofer is a stay-at-home-mom and is very active with Divine Savior Lutheran Church in Hartford. Earlier this year, Kati and some friends from her congregation attended a retreat and learned how to transform plastic bags into durable sleeping mats.

“We just loved it! I actually didn’t end up doing any of the other available service events at the retreat…I just couldn’t stop making the mats!” reflects Kati. 

Kati and her friends brought some of the extra plastic bags back to their congregation to continue to the project. From there, it just continued to grow.

Job duties are split between those who make the “plarn” – big rolls of “yarn” made out of plastic bags – and crocheting the mats, which measure 3’ x 6’ each. 

“If I’m going to give someone something they don’t have, I’m going to give them my best work. I want them to feel good about what they have by giving that little extra, that little something more,” says Marilyn Fulton, who puts her skills to good use by using different colors to create designs in the mats she crochets.

Each finished mat is large, waterproof, durable, and can be used to lay on or under; the material and weight of the mats make them a good alternative to a blanket.

To date, members of Divine Savior have made 23 plastic sleeping mats and counting. Most of these mats have come to United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County to be handed out during the annual Project Homeless Connect event.

Kati loves the feeling of creating something to help others while recycling a common household item. “Being a one-income household, I don’t have much money to give to people,” says Kati, “this is something I can give back that doesn’t cost anything.”  

Interested in learning how to make plarn or crochet sleeping mats? Email Katie to learn more.

Volunteer to help at the 2017 Project Homeless Connect event

Learn more about United Way's work with Continuum of Care Coordinated Entry

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