Newtown Congregational Church is planning its second annual a sew-a-thon supporting Dress A Girl Around the World.

This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, from 10:30 am until noon. Due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, this year’s event will be curbside pick-up and then work at home. Those planning to participate are asked to schedule their pick-up time and what they would like to receive by April 20.

While groups may not be able to work together in the church’s Great Room this spring, “we can meet in spirit to make dresses at home that will bring joy and dignity to girls in at-risk areas,” said Liz Skarzynski, ambassador for Dress A Girl Southern Connecticut.

Dress a Girl Around the World is a Campaign under Hope 4 Women International, a 501(c)(3) organization bringing dignity to women in at-risk areas around the world since 2006. Hope 4 Women International is a nondenominational independent Christian organization. Dress a Girl Around the World was formed under Hope For Women in 2009, and they have delivered more than two million dresses worldwide since their start in 2009.

Dress A Girl Around The World believes that girls wearing a new dress are less likely to be victimized. Its mission states in part: “We dream of a world in which every girl has at least one new dress. We want girls to know that they are worthy and respected and that they are loved by God.”

For the Newtown event later this month, sewers are asked to contact Skarzynski, at 203-257-7174 or dressagirlsouthernct@yahoo.com, by April 20, to request from the following do-at-home activities:

*T-shirt dress kits;

*Sun dress kits;

*Fabric to cut pockets;

*Fabric to make dresses with notions already on hand; and/or

*Dye precut T-shirt dresses.

The kits will be dispersed from the lower northern entrance of the church, 14 West Street.

Completed work can be turned in at the sew-a-thon planned for September 12 at Monroe Congregational Church.

Additional information is also available by contacting Skarzynski. Photos from previous events and of girls receiving dresses can be seen on the Dress A Girl Connecticut Facebook page.

Events are usually held at churches. Nine local events were hosted last year, with sewers and others gathering to create dresses and otherwise help. In addition to the September event at Monroe Congregational Church, DAG Southern Connecticut is also planning an October 17 event at United Methodist Church in Monroe.

An April 2019 event at Newtown Congregational Church resulted in the creation of 120 dresses for the program.