Volunteer with Bags and Mats (Volunteering Untapped Chicago)

​30 volunteers will be turning plastic bags into pillows and mats for the unhoused. During the event, groups will be cutting, weaving, crocheting, and winding the bags.

• ​Date: Saturday, July 12

• ​Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

• ​Location: Chicago Bee Library (3647 S State St, Chicago, IL 60609)

• ​Afterparty: The Embassy Public House (1435 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607) Food and street parking are available. The nearest transit is #9/X9 Ashland bus and the #157 Streeterville/Taylor bus.

​Transit

• ​Parking: Street parking and various lots

• ​Transit: Sox-35th Red Line station, #29 State bus

​More about Bags and Mats

​B.A.M. (Bags and Mats for Those in Need) provides loomed/crocheted sleeping mats and pillows handcrafted using recycled plastic bags. The group also fills backpacks with personal hygiene products and accessories like hats, gloves, scarves, and socks donated by generous supporters.

Their mission is to provide warmth and comfort to those in need. They meet weekly at Steve's Lounge, 13200 S. Baltimore Ave in Chicago's Hegewisch neighborhood. All are welcome to join.