The Dorcas Society Crafters on the Plateau is a non-denominational, faith-based group with the purpose of creating wearable art and home goods to share with their neighbors, especially individuals in need. The project focuses on “acts of service” as reflected in their mission statement: “Clothing our community with compassion.” The name is a nod to the biblical Dorcas of Acts 9:36-42.
Dorcas Society celebrated their first anniversary in December 2023. In their first year, they donated 436 craft items to the community. As the group continues to thrive, the goal is “let’s give more in 2024.” Thus far, Dorcas Society has donated lapghans, shawls, baby blankets, toys, beanies, potholders, pillows, scarves, etc. The majority of these items were shared with several agencies in the local community, including the Avalon Center Domestic Services, A Time 4 Paws, Cumberland County Police and Fire, Cumberland Medical Center and many of the local senior care facilities.
This dynamic organization started out as a handful of ladies acquainted through a local knitting group. There were several similar knitting clubs in the community, meeting at senior centers, churches, and the public library. Initially, they wanted to extend beyond yarn, and encouraged a variety of crafts to include knitting, crocheting, looming, quilting, sewing, jewelry-making, inspirational cards, leatherwork, woodworking, carpentry, etc.
The initial group of yarn artists has grown to include retirees, a newlywed, home-schooling parents, and teens. The ladies and gents who meet each week have a variety of backgrounds and skills, all of which blend together in enthusiastic fellowship. Dorcas Society welcomes everyone interested in sharing their talents or learning new handicrafts.
The Dorcas Society Crafters On the Plateau meets every Thursday morning at 10 a.m. at St Raphael’s Episcopal Church, 1038 Sparta Hwy. in Crossville.