In August 2021, Lucy Kulbago turned her lifelong love of sewing into something much bigger than fabric and thread. A dedicated volunteer and community leader, Lucy saw two needs unfolding at once: talented quilters, knitters, crocheters, and sewers eager to create…and shelters, hospitals, and nonprofits in need of handmade blankets, baby items, and other comforts for people and pets facing crisis.
Her solution was simple and powerful.
She founded Sew4Service, an organization designed to bridge the gap between people who love to create and agencies serving individuals in need. What began as a grassroots idea has grown into a thriving network with more than 10 chapters across Northeast Ohio. In each location, sewing machines hum, friendships form, and volunteers are reminded that every stitch can change a life.
Sew4Service at Alliance Commons
In 2024, Sew4Service opened its Alliance chapter at the Alliance Commons, expanding its mission of service into the heart of the community. Since launching locally, the impact has been remarkable:
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1,500+ handmade items delivered
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17 partner agencies served
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30 active volunteers
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1,700+ volunteer hours given
These handmade donations include:
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Quilts for families displaced by fire
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Baby clothing and blankets for new mothers
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Pillowcases for shelter residents
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Comfort blankets for children
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Handmade items for pets in crisis
Behind every donated quilt or blanket is a story of generosity, and often, a story of someone learning a brand-new skill.
Service Through Sewing: Empowering New Creators
At the University of Mount Union, students who had never touched a sewing machine before began learning through Sew4Service. Many quickly started donating baby items and blankets to local agencies.
One student shared:
“I never thought I’d be able to sew, but now I’m making something that will help someone else. It feels amazing!”
Sew4Service Alliance doesn’t just collect handmade donations, it teaches sewing classes, builds relationships, and creates new pathways for service. Volunteers cut, sew, sort, teach, and encourage one another. The result is more than handmade goods; it’s a stronger, more connected community.
The Fabric Stash Store: Affordable Supplies, Lasting Impact
Neighbors regularly visit The Fabric Stash Store at Alliance Commons to purchase affordable fabric and yarn. Many return later with completed handmade donations, creating a cycle of generosity that continues to ripple outward.
This past year, the Greater Alliance Foundation proudly supported Sew4Service’s growth with a grant for new sewing machines, ensuring even more community members can learn and serve.
The Growing Need for Handmade Donations in Northeast Ohio
The demand for handmade blankets, baby items, and comfort pieces continues to grow. Sew4Service Alliance hopes to:
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Expand sewing classes
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Reach additional local agencies
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Welcome new volunteers
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Increase handmade donation output
As founder Lucy Kulbago reminds her volunteers:
“Every stitch carries love.”
Today, that love is woven into Alliance and communities across Northeast Ohio, bringing warmth and dignity so that no one walks alone.
How to Get Involved with Sew4Service Alliance
If you’d like to volunteer, donate handmade items, or take a sewing class, Sew4Service would love to welcome you.
To get involved with the Alliance Chapter, contact:
Kelleen Davis, Alliance Chapter Coordinator at kelleen.davis@sew4service.org
Whether you’re an experienced quilter or someone who has never threaded a needle, there’s a place for you to serve.