Sarasota church makes beds, quilts for Alta Vista children

 Volunteers from Sarasota’s Church of the Redeemer will assemble and load 30 beds on Saturday morning, destined for children in need at Alta Vista Elementary School.

The effort is part of the downtown church’s ongoing support of the school and its families, the nearest Title I school to Redeemer’s Palm Avenue campus.

Courtesy image

The volunteers will sand and assemble the wooden frames, decorate them with written prayers and encouraging messages and move them to a trailer for delivery. Also, 30 handmade quilts — one for each bed — will be delivered as well. The quilts, made by Redeemer volunteers, were displayed recently in the church.

“All of these beds and quilts were made with so much love,” said Church of the Redeemer Rector Fr. Charleston Wilson. “We hope they give each child not just a comfortable place to sleep, but a daily reminder that their community cares about them and believes in their future.”

The parish has committed $10,000 annually to support the school’s learning initiatives and staff needs. Throughout the year, parishioners also provide hands-on support. 

In August, the church hosted a Back-to-School Bash, and in October, Redeemer organized a Trunk or Treat celebration for Alta Vista families.