ROCHELLE — Several students in Rochelle Township High School’s Key Club have found a way to repurpose plastic shopping bags.
The bags are being assembled into mats and will be distributed by a Rockford shelter to the homeless population.
Key Club Advisor Danae White explained the plastic bags are first made into strips and looped together, and rolled up into a large ball resembling yarn. The “plarn” or plastic yarn is then crocheted into mats.

“We have been working on these mats for the Rockford Rescue Mission to distribute to anyone they feel could benefit from having a barrier between them and the hard ground,” White said. “The mats are thicker than you might expect and they are a great way to repurpose those plastic shopping bags.”
White said the group has learned the importance of keeping the plastic strips consistent in width and making the connections between the bags smooth to ensure an even mat.
Key Club students visited with Kiwanis Golden K members last week to explain the latest service project. Golden K sponsors Key Club as well as many other local organizations.
This project along with so many the Key Club students perform fulfills the club’s mission of providing service, building character, and developing leadership.