NEW ALBANY, Ind. —

From discarded plastic bags to something that brings comfort and hope, a new ministry at Trinity United Methodist Church is transforming everyday trash into a lifeline for people facing homelessness and recovering from disasters.

Inside the church’s "Mission Depot," volunteers gather every Tuesday morning to cut, stretch, and weave thousands of grocery bags into durable sleeping mats.

"To be able to offer something that brings some comfort and protection from the elements," said volunteer Carla Roth. "We felt like it was a simple thing to do, and it could make a difference."

Each mat takes about 1,000 plastic bags and up to 20 hours to complete, from sorting and preparing to weaving on a loom and adding a carrying strap. The group has already finished more than 50 ma

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