Wreaths of Hope Project Combines Crafts and Charity

Posted

Bringing people together to prepare for the holidays and to raise awareness for a spinal muscular atrophy, Wreaths of Hope is combining crafts and charity for the 12th year. 

The public is invited to make a wreath or purchase a premade one this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Townsend Barn located at 22149 Bucoda Highway 507 SE just north of the Lewis County line. 

Event organizer Sybil Kuhn decided to create an event to raise awareness about spinal muscular atrophy after she babysat a toddler who had the disorder in the early 2000s. Seeing firsthand how a disorder she had never heard of affected the child made her want to do something to raise awareness for it in the community.  

“I thought it would be fun to get together with friends and family and have a wreath party,” Kuhn said. “I like to craft and I figured other people would like to get their hands dirty and craft.” 

For years, the event bounced from venue to venue, and it grew each time. Then, three years ago, Kuhn was driving past the barn and decided to ask the owners if she could host the event in it. She said they told her they would have to think about it because they do not open it for public events, but they said yes the next day.

“At the time I had no idea how gorgeous the barn was,” she said.    

Utilizing every available space in the three-story barn, Kuhn has set up crafting tables and  Christmas decorations. On Saturday, she expects around 300 wreaths to leave the barn either crafted by families or premade by area students and volunteers. A premade wreath is $25 and to make one is $20. The money goes directly to fund spinal muscular atrophy research. 

The event will also feature live music throughout the day and information about spinal muscular atrophy. The girl Kuhn babysat is now a sophomore and she and her family will be on hand to answer questions and pass out informational pamphlets, Kuhn said. 



Spinal muscular atrophy is a rare neuromuscular disorder children are born with, Kuhn said. It causes the muscles around the spine to be inoperable and to deteriorate. Some forms of the disorder are fatal. 

The latest advance is a medication recently approved by the FDA called Spinraza (nusinersen), Kuhn said. It allows those muscles to work and to keep working, giving people hope. 

“Now they kind of see the light at the end of the tunnel,” she said. 

The event is a way for families to come together in a historic barn, build wreaths and enjoy the community, Kuhn said. It is to raise awareness about the disorder, but people should still have fun and enjoy the start of the holiday season, she said. 

Attend the Event

Wreaths of Hope will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18, at the Historic Townsend Barn located at 22149 Bucoda Highway 507 SE. Pre-made wreaths are $25 and to craft a wreath is $20. For more information, search Wreaths of Hope 2017 on Facebook.