Auxiliary presents sleeping mats

On Jan. 17, three American Legion Auxiliary Tehachapi Unit 221 members delivered the first batch of sleeping mats to Pastor Marvin Slifer and Robert Winger of Mt. Bible Church. These sleeping mats are made of plarn- (plastic yarn) which are actually recycled plastic grocery bags. Several members were instrumental in putting them together. Each mat takes about 600 bags to complete and are knitted or crocheted. The 3' by 6' mats take approximately 30 hours start to finish.

The American Legion Auxiliary is always looking for donations of the old thinner plastic bags. There are several donation locations in town, The Loop newspaper 206 S. Green St., The Tehachapi News office 411 N. Mill St., and Dave's Automotive 20824 South St. If you would like to donate but don't have any of the old plastic bags, the thinner trash bags, white and black can be purchased at the dollar stores.

On Saturday, Feb. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the auxiliary will be hosting a pot luck, working event, in which community members who would like to help or participate are invited to attend. The group needs people to smooth out the bags, cut the bags into strips, tie the strips together and make the balls of plarn. People interested in learning how to make them, please bring size 15 knitting needles or size M crochet hook. The event will take place at the Mt. Bible Church 630 Maple St. Tehachapi.

For more information please call (661) 331-0707 or (805) 231-1847.