Sleeping Mat Ministry

The Sleeping Mat Ministry

The Sleeping Mat Ministry creates plastic sleeping mats for the homeless.  These mats help keep their bedding dry and also add a cushioning layer.  The mats are created from used plastic shopping bags, therefore helping the environment while helping our neighbors in need.

Fun Fact:  The “yarn” created from the plastic bags is called “plarn”!

This ministry began in mid-March of 2020.  At this point the team has created 89 sleeping mats.  These mats are distributed in the Lehigh Valley by the Street Medicine Team of the Lehigh Valley Health Network.  When extra mats are available, LVHN sends them to the Reading Hospital where they are distributed through their own Street Medicine team.

Images of some mats our team has created:

Each mat takes an estimated 500-700 grocery bags (a large trash bag stuffed tightly full), so it takes a lot of time to make a single sleeping mat.  Every bag must be flattened out, folded, cut, strung together and crocheted.  Carrying straps and ties must be created, then the mat must be measured, rolled, tied, and given a strap.  None of the steps are difficult, but they do take time.  Some team members specialize in one or more areas; others do it all.  If you think you would like to help create mats, please contact the church office today!

Follow the link below for a slideshow of how the mats are assembled:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1XfdRqCAWgxHmDQVPKQ6luB1JATtKuRApEaNLoJVbHrc/edit#slide=id.p

What is needed to produce sleeping mats:

1. Soft (like a grocery bag) plastic bags that are grocery-sized or larger.
2. Small holes are OK, but shredded or torn bags are not usable.  The team needs to be able to make a loop with the bag.
3. Please give your bags a quick sniff test. Bags that smell of mildew or other bad smells cannot be used.
4. For carrying straps, long, thick plastic newspaper bags (16 inches long and 7 inches wide or larger) can be used; but not the see-through or smaller ones.
5. Please check that your bags are clean and empty.  Removing receipts is time-consuming when you need to process hundreds of bags.

The Sleeping Mat Ministry Team would like to thank everyone for their donations of clean, used plastic grocery bags. Due to the large amount of storage space the bags take, bags will be collected only until the storage space is full. The Sleeping Mat Ministry appreciates your support!