Published on February 28, 2026
For a group of Maricopa ladies, their Wednesday mornings are reserved for the foreseeable future. From nine to noon, they want nothing more to pull up to the City of Maricopa Community Center with their tote bags filled with crafts and gather in the activity room to catch up with their Creative Sisterhood. “We’re really just a group of like-minded women who want to keep our minds and hands busy,” said Sandy Strange, a Creative Sisterhood crafter. “Often our community we’ve built spills out of the community center and into real life. For example, if someone’s hurt and needs an extra hand, these ladies will go out of their way to help.” The group was first crafted almost two decades ago; however, they never had a permanent home until now. One that has allowed them to grow and become a regularly scheduled activity for seniors in the community. “We don’t charge a penny for anyone who wants to come and be a part of our group,” said Djay, one of the group’s leaders. “You can also do whatever craft you want or learn a new one!”
She says you’ll often find the ladies teaching one another, especially knitting and crochet. That’s because the items they handmake get donated to organizations in the community through their Stitches for Love program. In the past, they have contributed beanies to cancer patients, as well as gloves, and scarves to Copa Closet at Maricopa High School. They are currently assembling 50 pairs of booties or slippers for seniors participating in the Maricopa Police Department’s You Are Not Alone Program (YANA) to receive this Christmas. “It’s a story I am sure any crafter can relate to. You want to keep making things, but your family is all crafted out,” laughed Djay. “Here, we know the things we’re putting together will have a home and be loved by people who need them.”
She says anyone interested in learning more about the group is welcome to join any Wednesday they want; they’ll be there to welcome them. “The goal of the community center is to welcome seniors and provide them with opportunities for socialization, learning, and giving back to the community," said Chance Love, the City of Maricopa Community Center Coordinator. "Our Creative Sisterhood group embodies this spirit wholeheartedly. They've created a haven where creativity thrives, friendships flourish, and kindness is woven into every stitch. They're not just crafting masterpieces; they're crafting connections that uplift our entire community." The Community Center also hosts a craft class once a month with the Creative Sisterhood that anyone attending the center can participate in, with supply kits available to purchase. There are also homemade card crafting sessions at the same time on Wednesday.