Our community is something that we value at Cida Sew Shop. We are passionate and driven to support and give back to our incredible Long Island NY community. Our philosophy is to support one another through charitable work and to create new programs to help each other thrive. 

My drive and passion for community involvement took off when I became involved in selling Girl Scout cookies with my daughter, planted local community gardens, and sang Christmas Carols at the Senior Center during the holidays. No matter the activity or charity I was supporting it was a joy to connect with locals and support one another. When I attended Nassau Community College. A sociology professor I had at the time proposed that I start a new club that focused on uniting different cultures and backgrounds working together for a larger cause. The excitement I felt that day was like no other. Knowing that I could create a group that would give back to the community in a big way was an immediate fascination. With no time to waste, I quickly gathered materials at the college library and began to draw up a plan. 

Within a few weeks “The Inter Act Club” was created. The main focus for the club was to include weekly meetings to brainstorm and gather ideas for philanthropic projects that would support our local community. This led us to tutor young immigrant children who needed additional support with their homework. The services we provided were extremely rewarding and priceless helping the children to better their education. In addition to giving back to the community, we also shared our cultural backgrounds and resources to broaden our spectrum of knowledge and support where a landing hand was needed. 

Before my career took off as a seamstress sewing was a hobby that I enjoyed. I wanted to share my love for sewing with others. I started teaching an individual with disabilities to learn how to sew. It was not only therapeutic for the individual but also was an inspiration to myself and others to show that anyone who puts their mind to something can master it no matter the obstacles. 

As sewing became a larger part of my life, I was invited to teach quilting to a group of senior citizens. It was a great activity and I loved socializing with the local seniors although when COVID-19 hit the group had to cancel their meetings. I knew we had to do something to continue our quilting group.

With a little creativity and the help of Zoom, we were able to continue our quilting group. I created the projects, cut the fabric, created step-by-step instructions, and shipped the supplies to each member. This way they could follow along at home via Zoom, and believe it or not it worked.

As soon as everything went back to normal and we were able to meet in person again the group members all shared their beautiful well put together quilts with everyone. Even though I’m not teaching currently I still support young artists with sewing projects periodically. 

As Cida Sew Shop has grown into the business it is today I wasn’t able to give back to the community as often. Although last winter we had the opportunity to sponsor the Massapequa High School Cheerleading Team. They were competing at the national level at the time and I had the pleasure of being a part of this group and seeing how much talent each cheerleader demonstrated.

Building those connections with the team has increased my business at Cida Sew Shop. In return I have many cheerleaders and their peers bring their prom dresses in for fittings and alterations. The word has spread to neighboring high schools and it has been an absolute delight altering dresses for their Jr. and Sr. Proms.

In the Spring of 2024, we also sponsored the Marty Lyons Foundation. This was a big moment supporting such an incredible program. The program is part of the Grant A Wish Foundation for children. The event was larger and even better than expected. This was their fourth year for the event and it sold out completely. It was incredible to participate in something so special with so many other people in the community. We all had the same goal to give because when we give we open the door for receiving and abundance is inevitable when we do it from the heart. Philanthropic efforts and giving are always going to be part of our core values at Cida Sew Shop. We love our Long Island community and we continue to strive to make a difference in others lives. It’s what motivates us every day. Our community outreach also goes hand in hand with working and supporting other local businesses in the area. We believe supporting each other is what truly makes a community a home. At Cida Sew Shop we are always interested in partnering with local wedding vendors, high schools, etc. who have one goal in mind, creating a once in a lifetime moment for our incredible community members of Long Island New York.