Since connecting with the Tacoma Tool Library at the Mosaic Festival two summers ago, Jonnita has become a vibrant and dedicated part of the Make-It Sew program. Reflecting on what inspired her to begin volunteering with the Tool Library, she shared, “I loved the concept, and it was something social and fun that I could do with my friend Kathy. After COVID, we were really missing helping others, so it was a good opportunity to get involved. Plus, I really like to sew.”
On Make-it Sew nights, you can find Jonnita sharing her passion for sewing with others and getting them excited about it too. But her volunteering efforts do not stop there; she’s also stepped up to support Tool Library outreach efforts including volunteering at the Tool Library information booth at community events and mending at the Remaker Fair repair station. She’s even volunteered accidentally at Fix-It Nights. “I took in a water dispenser to have Hayes help me fix it. Velda wasn’t volunteering that day so there wasn’t a sewist. I filled in by helping with sewing repairs while Hayes fixed the water dispenser. It all worked out!”
The most important part of volunteering with the Tool Library for Jonnita boils down to helping her community. “There is so much hate and division in the world right now that I NEED to be in service to others to keep grounded. The Make-it Sew program does that for me. I don’t always know how to solve a problem but with the deep experience of other volunteers, we all pitch in to problem solve. I’ve learned so much myself and I love the community of it all.”
And of course, there’s an added bonus: “I get to spend extra time with my bestie because we volunteer together!”
Her creativity, willingness to pitch in, and love of sewing are part of what makes Jonnita such a valuable volunteer with the Tacoma Tool Library.
