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In 2023, we launched The Mats Project as one of Crochet Class’s signature volunteer programs. This initiative transforms unused plastic bags into eco‑friendly, sustainable sleeping mats for individuals experiencing homelessness in Las Vegas. Through our streamlined production process, volunteer Teams cut bags into strips, loop them into long strands, and crochet those strands into durable mats measuring 36" wide by 72" long.
We personally go out with Shine A Light Foundation during their street-level outreach and with the C.A.R.E. Complex during their street‑level engagement to hand‑deliver these mats directly to our unhoused neighbors. This face‑to‑face connection ensures every mat reaches someone who truly needs it.
In 2026, we expanded our production capacity by introducing Peg Loom Weaving, increasing output by more than 300%. Because of Mr. Chase's innovation, we now have the capacity to reach thousands of unhoused individuals throughout Las Vegas. You can read more about this innovation in the Game Changers section below.
At The Mats Project, you’ll meet incredible people, build community, and make a meaningful difference. We are deeply grateful to our volunteers, partners, sponsors, collaborators, and our Founders/Core Team for making this work possible.
Check our Calendar below to see where we’ll be next — we’d love to have you join us.
🛒 Support The Mats Project Today!
Help us upcycle plastic bags into eco-friendly sleeping mats for the unhoused in Las Vegas. 🧶 Every item you purchase from our Amazon Wish List—from crochet hooks to scissors—goes directly into the hands of our volunteers making a difference.
✨ Click, shop, and support. Your contribution matters! Together, we can make mats and make a difference. 💙
the Gamechangers
the Gamechangers
At Crochet Class, we are fortunate to be surrounded by individuals and partners whose dedication, generosity, and leadership continue to elevate our mission and expand our impact across the Las Vegas Valley. Today, we proudly recognize several extraordinary contributors who are helping us transform plastic bags into comfort, dignity, and hope for our unhoused neighbors.
ReEmployAbility & Transition2Work
ReEmployAbility & Transition2Work
We extend our deepest gratitude to Ms. Lindsay Bressi and the entire ReEmployAbility Transition2Work Team. Your ongoing partnership brings us volunteers whose compassion and commitment strengthen every part of our work. Together, we are building a community where creativity becomes service and service becomes meaningful change.
Mr. Chase – Innovation & Impact
Mr. Chase – Innovation & Impact
A heartfelt thank‑you to Mr. Chase, whose generosity and craftsmanship have reshaped the future of The Mats Project. His ongoing donation of handmade peg looms—and his leadership in developing and spearheading our weaving process—has increased our production by over 300%. Because of his innovation, we now have the capacity to reach thousands of unhoused individuals throughout Las Vegas. Mr. Chase, your impact is immeasurable, and we are profoundly grateful.
Mr. Tony – Spearheading the Plarning Process
Mr. Tony – Spearheading the Plarning Process
We also recognize Mr. Tony for taking charge of the plarning process—cutting, looping, and preparing the plastic bags that make weaving on the peg looms possible. This essential behind‑the‑scenes work fuels our entire production line, and Mr. Tony approaches it with consistency, pride, and purpose. Thank you for being a cornerstone of our operations.
Ms. Zaria – Creativity, Leadership & Service
Ms. Zaria – Creativity, Leadership & Service
A special thank‑you to Ms. Zaria for her outstanding volunteer support and for using her creative talent to film and produce our Peg Loom Mat Weaving: Transforming Plastic Into Comfort, Dignity & Community Impact video tutorial. Your storytelling, and willingness to step in wherever needed make you an invaluable part of our mission.
These gamechangers remind us that when people show up with heart, skill, and purpose, entire communities are transformed. We are honored to work alongside each of you.
Many thanks to Findlay Honda of Centennial Hills! We had such a wonderful time at The Mats Project Event!
We're honored to have Ms. Lindsey from ReEmployAbility join us, jump right in, and help us weave mats on the peg loom. Her enthusiasm, kindness, and hands‑on support made the day even more special.
We are so grateful for partners who don’t just cheer from the sidelines—they show up, participate, and help us create real impact for our unhoused neighbors in Las Vegas.
Thank you, Ms. Lindsey, for being part of our mission and for helping us turn service into something truly beautiful.
We're honored to have Mr. Chase lead a hands‑on demonstration on how to weave mats using our peg looms. His clear instruction, patience, and craftsmanship made the process easy for everyone to learn.
Mr. Chase’s ongoing support—including building and donating our peg looms—continues to strengthen The Mats Project and expand our impact in the Las Vegas community.
We are grateful for his leadership and the heart he brings to our mission.
We had such a great time capturing this fun group photo with our amazing team! Smiles, teamwork, and good energy all around as we continue serving our community through The Mats Project. Grateful for every person who shows up with heart and helps make our mission stronger every day.
We are grateful for the incredible team that came together during Ms. Lindsey’s visit to Findlay Honda of Centennial Hills. Thank you to Ms. Kat, our dedicated Program Director, and to Mr. Tony, Mr. Chase and Ms. Zaria for showing up with heart, teamwork, and enthusiasm.
Each of you helped make the visit meaningful as we demonstrated our peg‑loom weaving process and shared the impact of The Mats Project. Your presence, leadership, and collaboration continue to strengthen our mission and uplift our community.
We appreciate every one of you.
Many, many thanks to all of our partners, sponsors and collaborators that help make this a success!
LAS VEGAS WEEKLY MAGAZINE Materializing comfort: The Mats Project seeks volunteers to help the homeless
LAS VEGAS WEEKLY MAGAZINE Materializing comfort: The Mats Project seeks volunteers to help the homeless
Thu, Aug 20, 2026 (2 a.m.)
At The Mats Project’s Sunday meetup at Centennial Hills Library, about a dozen volunteers gleefully convert plastic bags into “plarn.” They take scissors to donated, defective bags, cutting them into strips and looping them together to make a continuous string, which can then be used to create 6-by-3-foot sleeping mats.
The initiative of the nonprofit Crochet Class (crochetclass.org) donates the mats to Shine A Light Foundation, which distributes them to the unhoused in the Valley. Founder Merri Medley says The Mats Project didn’t start with any seed money. It all started with teaching people to crochet.
“I did some research and found that crochet has a lot of health benefits. It’s almost like a type of therapy. It engages both the right and left hemispheres of the brain when you’re counting stitches, changing colors, those types of activities—especially for seniors, helps keep us mentally sharp and helps our focus,” Medley says.
A select number of volunteers know how to crochet mats and can teach any volunteers who want to learn. In addition to crochet, the nonprofit recently developed a peg loom for weaving. The materials were purchased with proceeds from a $3,000 donation from the local culinary event Vegas Unstripped.
The loom has tripled the nonprofit’s productivity threshold, Medley says, adding that, as of June, the Mats Project has already donated 140 mats to the homeless and their “fur babies.”
At Centennial Hills Library, crocheting or weaving mats is “not hard labor,” says one volunteer. It’s an opportunity to socialize and make a difference in someone’s day.
“We donate drawstring bags filled with everyday essentials, including a little note to recipients to remind them they are loved, they do matter and they are valued,” Medley says. “When we go out and distribute them, I notice that they read the note first. They don’t just dive into the kit and look for the food items. They immediately read the note. That just touches your heart.”
Crochet Class 501(c)(3) extends our sincere gratitude to Mr. Eric Gladstone, Mr. Juan Tangarife, Ms. Heather Vincent, and The Feast With Friends Vegas Unstripped Team for their generous $3,000 contribution to The Mats Project.
This donation directly supports our mission to produce hand‑crafted sleeping mats for individuals experiencing homelessness in Las Vegas — a project that blends sustainability, community engagement, and meaningful service.
Thank you for investing in local impact and helping us expand this vital program.
🧡🧵 #TheMatsProject #VegasUnstripped #FeastWithFriends #NonprofitImpact #LasVegas #CrochetClass
And to our amazing volunteers and staff — thank you for showing up with heart, compassion, and dedication every single week. You are the hands that make this impact possible.
🧡🧵 #TheMatsProject #VegasUnstripped #FeastWithFriends #CrochetClass #CommunityLove
Sincere gratitude to the NV Energy Foundation for their generous $350 donation to The Mats Project and to the remarkable Ms. Mariah Davis for her efforts and unwavering dedication to The Mats Project!
In 2026
What a powerful day! Huge thanks to Mr. Mike at Shine A Light and Ms Amber at Creating A Giving Culture for collaborating with The Mats Project! It's an honor to work alongside such dedicated partners to make a real difference in our community. Together, we're turning compassion into action! #EndHomelessness #TheMatsProject #CreatingAGivingCulture #ShineALight #VegasStrong #CommunityCare #ServiceInAction
In 2025
Many, many thanks to Ms. Barbara Zangaro and Ms. Jackie Froman of Poker Gives for inviting The Mats Project to donate.
In 2024
Many, many thanks to Shine A Light for all they do! We're delivering our mats and everyday essential bags to the homeless living on the streets of Las Vegas NV with Shine A Light Foundation.
In 2023
We're Making Mats and Making A Difference!
Heartfelt Thanks to Goldent Network TV and Ms. Temma Hammond
Crochet Class 501(c)(3) extends our sincere gratitude to Goldent Network TV and the remarkable Ms. Temma Hammond for their generosity and creativity in producing the powerful infomercial highlighting The Mats Project. Through your lens, our mission to transform unused plastic bags into eco-friendly bed mats for Las Vegas' unhoused community was beautifully captured and elevated to new audiences.
Your vision and professionalism brought warmth and clarity to our story—showcasing not just the process but the compassion that fuels our volunteers and partnerships. Thank you for helping us shine a light on dignity, sustainability, and service.
Many thanks for the very kind compliment and for your family volunteering at The Mats Project!
MEET OUR TEAM
Ms. Merri Medley
Founder's Team
Ms. Tanya Rodriguez
Founder's Team
Ms. Lynda Ortiz Young
Founder's Team
Ms. Mayra Moran
Founder's Team
Ms. Nicole Owens
Founder's Team
Ms. Catherine Walker
Founder's Team
Ms. Susan Emmett
Founder's Team
Ms. Marci Bing Uson
Core Team
Ms. Juana Ibarra
Core Team
Ms. Yumeko Vasquez
Core Team
Ms. Mei Pitre
Core Team
How You Can Help
We always look for enthusiastic volunteers to help make mats or event setup and tear down. These hours can also be used towards Community Service requirements.
We need Crochet Hooks size S/19 or 20mm, scissors, and fingertip moisteners.
Financial donations are crucial in helping us achieve our goal!
Please make checks payable to:
Crochet Class 501(c)(3)
Please mail to:
10040 West Cheyenne Avenue
Suite 170178
Las Vegas Nevada 89129.
Please spread the word by telling your friends, family, and colleagues about our organization and mission. Follow us on social media.
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