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Make a Mat for the Homeless

By
Real Estate Agent

A worthwhile project seems to be sweeping the nation - making mats out of recycled plastic grocery bags to give to homeless people and shelters who serve them. 

The mats are thick and soft and provide protection from the ground. If they get wet, they dry quickly and they provide a measure of warmth if they are wrapped around the shoulders. 

Some of them have a pocket that can hold toothpaste and other small toilet articles.

They are easy to make and the materials are free. There are several videos on Youtube that show how to make them. Here is one:

 

In Tallahassee, the Trinity United Methodist Church meets every Tue and Thu at 10:30 to make mats. Feel free to call the church office (850) 222-1129 if you want to help or donate.

Comments(9)

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Stephanie Stringer
First Choice Loan Services NMLS#210764 - San Antonio, TX
Mortgage Loan Originator

Colleen-  The mat she made was beautiful.  I can not believe it came from plastic bags, it looks like something you can get at a department store. 

Sep 15, 2011 07:12 AM
Tish Lloyd
BlueCoast Realty Corporation - Wilmington, NC
Broker - Wilmington NC and Surrounding Beaches

It breaks my heart that there is a need for this, but at the same time I'm grateful for the info.  My daughter and I do what we can to help out a few of the homeless in our community and this is a great way to show we care.  Thanks!

Sep 15, 2011 07:16 AM
Mario Gattavara
Coldwell Banker Lifestyle Properties - Oroville, CA
(Lake Oroville Area)

What people think of for the better good.

That is pretty unique...

Good luck & success to you!

Sep 15, 2011 07:25 AM
Li Read
Sea to Sky Premier Properties (Salt Spring) - Salt Spring Island, BC
Caring expertise...knowledge for you!

What a great idea...thanks for sharing this!

Sep 15, 2011 08:00 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Colleen- I am in awe of this.  I think I know just enough about crocheting to be able to make one.  I don't have as many plastic bags as I used to because I use the cloth bags when I shop but I can try.  

Sep 15, 2011 10:50 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Retired Broker/Owner - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Wow what an intesting and great way to use plastic bags......sad that they're needed but how creative.

Sep 15, 2011 01:16 PM
Retired Notworking
Tallahassee, FL

I agree, these mats are awesome. I'm in awe of the person who thought of the idea. They are so cushiony it's unbelievable.  It takes a lot of bags and work to make a single mat, so if you can get a group of people interested, the work will be easier. My church gets together Tue and Thurs to make the "yarn" and mats or you can do it at home. the local Shelter is so happy to get the mats to give to those in need. 

Sep 16, 2011 03:13 AM
Eric Crane -- Your Full Service, Discount Fee Realtor®
DPR Realty LLC - Gilbert, AZ
Greater Metro Phoenix Arizona

Hi, Colleen -- thanks so much for this post.  It demonstrates that there are so many ways to help -- some large, some small, but all make a difference to someone.  Have a great weekend, Eric ^0-0^

Sep 16, 2011 12:41 PM
Mimi Foster
Falcon Property Company - Colorado Springs, CO
Voted Colorado Springs Best Realtor

I love stuff like this, and this is also something that you could get the grandkids involved in.  Thanks for sharing!

Sep 17, 2011 04:13 AM