Ann Huxtable of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 347 collected 14,350 new plastic bags for members to create plastic sleeping mats for homeless veterans in the Ocala National Forest.
Huxtable, described by the auxiliary as “one of our loyal and dedicated members,” approached local merchants such as Kohls and Wal-Mart seeking contribution of plastic bags.
When sewn together, the bags make durable, light-weight, water-proof mats. Each mat requires approximately 750 plastic bags.
Plastic shopping bags are cut into strips to make plastic yarn (PLARN). They are then crocheted into a plastic sleeping mat.
Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Chairman for the Auxiliary is Mary La Noce. Carol Pirone-Udell is American Legion Auxiliary Unit 347 president.