Several thousand smiles will be possible this year thanks to the quiet work and dedication of the Salvation Army’s Women’s Auxiliary. Established sixty-eight years ago to support underprivileged children during the holidays, this dedicated group has become an architect of joy, crafting handmade treasures for distribution in the Greater Cincinnati area each December and meeting other needs year-round.
Last year, 140 volunteer women created and distributed 715 dolls and 1,100 bears during the holidays through the Salvation Army’s Toy Shop, according to Sylvia Osterday of Cincinnati, president of the Auxiliary.
“Each dressed doll includes extra outfits, a knitted scarf, hat and quilt,” Osterday says. “Some sewers also provide crib-sized quilts and blankets for families with infants.”
The Salvation Army’s Toy Shop partners with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. Toys for Tots supplies items such as board games, fingernail polish, sporting equipment, cars, trains and art supplies. The Women’s Auxiliary coordinates with the Marines to showcase both handmade and donated gifts simultaneously in the Toy Shop.
Osterday sheds light on the behind-the-scenes effort.
“The faithful seamstresses pick up the dolls and bears [in the spring] and personalize them, by crafting clothing, blankets or quilts for each,” she explains.
The creative process involves a significant time commitment with each doll or bear taking one to three hours to complete. Volunteer Colleen Madewell of Fairfield, however, finds joy in contributing.
“I enjoy knitting and crocheting blankets for dolls and infants while watching TV,” Madewell says. “I get great satisfaction from helping others. It is my way of giving back to the community.”
This powerhouse of goodwill operates entirely on a volunteer basis, drawing sewers not only from the Auxiliary but also from women from other areas in church guilds and club groups.
Osterday emphasizes the camaraderie among volunteers.
"There is a great friendship among us,” says Osterday. “We welcome new members with a willingness to put in time and talent to continue putting smiles on the children’s faces."
Osterday is quick to add that volunteers don’t need sewing experience.
“I don’t even sew,” she admits, “but I can organize and do all the labor.”
Labor includes duties like packing bags, sorting toys, pre-packaging gift boxes and accepting and handing out presents for use in the Toy Shop.
Beyond handmade toys, the Auxiliary contributes 5,000 age-appropriate books annually through the Audrey Dick Book Program, active since 2001. This program runs during the holidays and summertime, too, when a bookmobile travels to impoverished areas and delivers free books for learning and entertainment during kids’ summer breaks from school.
The Women’s Auxiliary’s community service extends throughout winter, as they also make scarves for those experiencing homelessness.
"The Salvation Army hangs knitted hats and scarves on the fence behind headquarters at East Central Parkway so that the homeless population can pick them up to keep them warm during the winter season," shares Osterday.
Operating largely by donations from the community and area businesses, Osterday shares, "Monetary donations of any amount are welcome," as the auxiliary spends approximately $40,000 annually on materials.
Businesses or individuals looking to contribute or gain volunteer hours can find more information online. EasternUSA.SalvationArmy.org/greater-cincinnati/auxiliaries/
