TOMS RIVER, N.J. - TelAve -- A handmade dishcloth and a bottle of dish soap may seem simple, but for a family struggling to afford basic necessities, they can make a meaningful difference.

Founded by Toms River resident Debbie Trainor, Each Stitch Counts has turned that simple idea into a growing community effort. Volunteers knit and crochet handmade dishcloths that are paired with donated dish soap and distributed to food pantries throughout the region, helping provide families with household necessities that are often overlooked.

Now, with support from the Community Foundation of South Jersey's Encore Fellows initiative, Each Stitch Counts is expanding its impact while also demonstrating the valuable role older adults can continue to play in their communities.

Through the grant, Each Stitch Counts was able to hire a senior fellow to help support the organization's growing mission. The Encore Fellows initiative was created to engage older adults in addressing community needs while putting their professional and life experience to work with local nonprofit organizations.

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The additional support is already helping Each Stitch Counts reach more families. The organization currently distributes approximately 400 to 500 bottles of dish soap each month to at least eight food pantries, with more than 20 pantries included in its rotating distribution schedule.

Trainor founded Each Stitch Counts in 2021 after recognizing an often-overlooked need among families relying on food pantries. While pantries provide critical food and necessities, basic household cleaning products can be difficult for families facing financial challenges to afford.

Each Stitch Counts helps fill that gap through an effort that is both practical and personal. Each bottle of dish soap is paired with a cotton dishcloth handmade by a volunteer, turning an everyday household necessity into a small reminder that someone in the community cares.

What began as a simple idea has continued to grow through the generosity of volunteers, donors and community partners. Some volunteers knit or crochet dishcloths, while others donate soap and supplies or help support the organization's outreach to local pantries.

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The Encore Fellows grant provides another way to strengthen that mission by tapping into the skills and experience of an older adult who wants to continue making a meaningful contribution to the community.

It is a fitting extension of what Each Stitch Counts has represented from the beginning — people using what they have, whether it is their time, talents, experience or resources, to help someone else.

And as the organization continues to grow and reach more families throughout the region, its name says it best: each contribution matters, and each stitch counts.

About Each Stitch Counts

Founded by Debbie Trainor and based in Toms River, New Jersey, Each Stitch Counts is a nonprofit organization working to alleviate hygiene insecurity by providing essential household cleaning products and handmade dishcloths to families through local food pantries. Through volunteers, donors and community partnerships, the organization helps provide items that are often overlooked but essential to maintaining a clean and healthy home. Learn more at  https://www.eachstitchcounts.org.