Teen Uses New Skill to Benefit Needs of Homeless Individuals in North Texas

Prosper, TX — Kyra Sauter, a 2024 graduate of Walnut Grove High School in Prosper, has crocheted about thirty washcloths to benefit community needs by partnering with Streetside Showers, a nonprofit organization that provides hot mobile showers to homeless people in North Texas.

“When I started, I was really just looking to learn a new skill,” said Sauter. “My mom taught me, and we started with cotton-thread squares, which allow for a lot of practice just stitching.”

Those beginner-level squares also make convenient washcloths. As Sauter’s collection of squares grew, she learned of the ongoing needs of Streetside Showers to provide towels, washcloths, cleansers, and other hygiene items to their weekly guests. These individuals come to the truck at scheduled destinations for a hot shower that is difficult for them to get anywhere else.

Sauter said that she usually spent about an hour on each washcloth, often stitching during breaks at school. “I especially liked the idea of being able to grow my talents to benefit others,” said Sauter.

Service is important to Sauter. “It gives us an opportunity to understand and care for others, and that helps our community become more unified and accepting in general,” she said.

Sauter has words of wisdom for other teens looking to make a difference in their communities: “Service doesn’t have to be something big,” she emphasized. “I’ve made the mistake of being intimidated by the idea of service because I think it has to be some huge, life-changing project, but really it can be any small thing that makes someone’s day a little better.”

Sauter concludes, “Use your talents, get creative, and remember that every good thing counts.”

Ongoing needs for Streetside Showers can be found on their website and at JustServe.org.