With the success of the first-ever Community Sew Day last September, the local Shinefest organization wants people to mark their calendars for two Community Sew Days in 2011.

Sewing days are planned from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both April 16 and Aug. 13 at the Senior Center in the Skyline Plaza.

Organizer Sue Westrum said during the September Community Sew Day, 40 people participated, completing kits for three projects.

She said 45 quilts were made and distributed to the Salvation Army, Crime Victims Crisis Center and Youth For Christ. More than 50 dresses were made to be sent to an orphanage in Jamaica, and 100 uniform bags were made and sent to an orphanage in Bogota, Columbia.

She thanked all the people who prepared the project kits, along with those who sewed the kits that day or else took them home to sew.

She hoped the number of people participating would continue to grow this year.

Participants will be able to take part in similar projects.

If people have questions, they can contact Sue Westrum at 507-383-8977.