The Needles and Pins Sewing Circle of The Church of the Palms in Sun City has been busy for a year preparing handmade Christmas gifts to share with those in need at Christmas. The gifts have already been delivered to The Dysart Community Center (DCC) in El Mirage and The Phoenix Indian Center in downtown Phoenix; a total of 375 handmade items for Christmas.

Pictured are DCC Director Annie Ansell with Bobbie Chapman and Bobbie Green from Needles and Pins Craft Group.

In early November, the group donated 12 handmade baby quilts and crocheted baby blankets to the Dysart Community Center (DCC) in El Mirage. These cozy and colorful creations will be included in DCC’s Christmas gift packages for expecting mothers of the students, helping bring warmth and joy to families in need during the holiday season.

DCC Director Annie Ansell expressed deep appreciation for the donation, noting how much these thoughtful, handmade gifts mean to the mothers who receive them.

In addition, Ellen Merchant, a member of the group, donated 90 handmade children’s aprons to the community center for their art and food prep learning activities.

Utahna Blackwater, Project Manager for Phoenix Indian Center with Kay Klinkenborg, Bobbie Chapman

Christmas gift giving was not completed. In November they loaded the totes and delivered handmade items to the Phoenix Indian Center: 81 stocking caps, 47 scarfs, 18 cowls, 8 full size afghans, 7 sweaters,5 headbands and 100 crocheted filled soap bags. Utahna Blackwater, a Project Manager at the Phoenix Center received the gifts and expressed heartfelt thanks for making Christmas special with these handmade items.

‘Needles and Pins’ meets every Wednesday from 9-11 am in the Board Room at The Church of the Palms. All are welcome to join the current group. Members are: Bobbie Chapman, Bonnie Green, Margaret Carpenter (In Loving Memory: 8/2025), Carol Reynolds, Lynette Nickelson, Susie Lehman and Ellen Merchant. People are welcome to be part of the group and sew their items at home.