Jefferson County 4-Hers sew kennel beds for animal shelters

Published 1:30 am Monday, January 1, 2018

PORT HADLOCK — A group of more than 25 animal lovers came together for a four-hour sew-in at the Washington State University classroom at Kivley Center.

Their focus Saturday was to create at least 60 pet kennel beds to be distributed to the Humane Society of Jefferson County, Center Valley Animal Rescue and local food banks.

Laurie Hampton, leader of the Paws-N-Claws 4-H Club in Jefferson County, said the volunteers are members of her group, and the Cedar Tree Performers, the 4-H group from Marrowstone Island. A few people from the general public came in to help as well.

“We consider this community service,” Hampton said, “ so it helps the kids with a requirement to earn a year-end 4-H pin.”

One team cut fabrics and filling. Sewing machines old and new, and a serger, buzzed in harmony as seams joined the layers. Another group secured each bundle with hand-tied knots.

“The beds are made from donated cotton and fleece, and the interiors are repurposed thrift store quilts that add just enough padding,” Hampton said.

What work wasn’t finished will be completed at the group’s next meeting. Hampton was confident the goal would be met and most likely exceeded.

MiAmada Lamphear, 12, of Cedar Tree Performers, summed up the day’s experience for everyone.

“I want to help the animals in the animal shelters have nice beds so they can be comfy and sleep better.”

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Jeannie McMacken is a free-lance writer and photographer living in Port Townsend.