Early in the morning on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, the St. Louis area received 8-12 inches of rain in a six-hour period. Coldwater Creek, which runs behind the Florissant Meadows Shopping Center where Sew Hope is located, overflowed it's banks and flooded much of the surrounding area. Sew Hope received a couple feet of water. Merchandise, sewing equipment, and fixtures that were damaged in the flooding must be disposed of. Sewing machines and merchandise that is still usable will be put in storage so the flooring and lower 25% of the walls can be replaced, and Sew Hope can be cleaned and made usable once again.

Sew Hope Community Sewing Room was just opened in March 2022, by Kacie Starr Long, and her husband, Alfred Long. It is a non-profit, staffed mainly by volunteers. It is a wonderful place for sewing enthusiasts and crafters of all ages to gather, learn, teach, and make new friends.

Sew Hope's income depends on it's ability to teach sewing lessons, sell fabric and sewing merchandise, do alterations, and hold sewing functions. Fabric, notions, and merchandise sold at Sew Hope is donated by its generous supporters. Damage from the flood means Sew Hope will remain closed until all the damage is repaired, the shop is cleaned, and some fixtures and sewing equipment is replaced.

My name is Susan Geerling. I'm a volunteer and teacher of sewing lessons at Sew Hope. Many volunteers and supporters of Sew Hope have asked how they can help right now. If you would like to help, you can make a financial contribution through this GoFundMe site. This site is being set up with permission of Kacie Starr Long. Contributions will be deposited into Sew Hope’s non-profit account called, “Jacob’s Ladder Ministries.”

If you can't make a financial contribution, the Sew Hope Community Sewing Room always welcomes donations of fabric, sewing machines, and other sewing-related items. Thank you for your help!

For more information about Sew Hope, you can go to the Facebook page: "Sew Hope", or to the Sew Hope Website: sewhopestl.com