A teenage boy has collected hundreds of crisp (or potato chip) packets to fuse together to create sleeping bags for the homeless. Buzz60’s Chloe Hurst has the story!
It’s a familiar household phenomenon: The buildup of plastic shopping bags that always seems to grow and often sits untouched.
Retired teacher Becky Topil noticed plastic bags building up in her house during the pandemic and was determined to find a better fate for them than the landfill.
So she began repurposing her and others’ stockpiles into beds for people experiencing homelessness and has found support for her efforts through a growing Facebook group.
In November, Topil came across a woman in the Kansas City area who was weaving “plarn†into thick mat-like surfaces that can be used as beds. She decided to try it for herself.
The plastic yarn is created by tying bags together into a strand, Topil said. Each bed uses 700 bags.
While she teaches English as a second language online part of the day, Topil felt this project could be a fulfilling way to spend her days at home.
“I've got all day and I've got bags and I know I can get more bags," she said.
Becky Topil poses with her first bed made of plastic bags.
Courtesy Photo
While she has a background in crocheting, it took time for her to learn the hand crocheting technique used to construct the beds. Her first one took about two weeks to complete, she said.
“I redid it three times until I figured out how to do it,†she said. “I think I'm getting better as I go, which is the case with anything that you start to do, and I've learned a lot since I've started.â€
She recently completed a bed from start to finish in less than three hours.
“I love to crochet, and I feel like it’s something … I can do and I'm going to use it, and use it to help people,†she said. “All of those bags are not going into the landfill anymore, which is a great feeling too.â€
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On Jan. 4, Topil donated her first 10 beds to the People’s City Mission. She included a blanket, mask and note reading “You Matter†with each.
People’s City Mission CEO Tom Barber said they were given to homeless men who choose not to stay at the shelter.
Topil's first 10 beds, which she donated to the People's City Mission.
Courtesy Photo
He said the options for shelter during the winter are very limited in Lincoln and donations such as Topil’s help ease the struggle so many are going through during the pandemic.
Topil has built a community for her project through a Facebook page titled “Becky’s Beds of Bags†that now has more than 600 members. Topil posts updates when she finishes a new bed and fields questions about how to get bags or plarn to her.
She refers to those who donate as her “angels.â€Â
“It's been so great, it's so heartwarming,†she said. “It just makes me feel so proud of the community that I live in.â€
The donations don’t come just from Lincoln. Topil has friends and family from Kansas and Colorado sending plastic bags and plarn to her. Additionally, an author friend in New York connected her with a group of youth that wanted to donate to her efforts.
Topil includes a mask and "You Matter" card with each bed, as well as a fleece blanket.
Courtesy Photo
Topil has no plans of stopping her operation anytime soon. In fact, she’s set a goal of completing 100 beds by the end of 2021.
The process of weaving the beds can be physically taxing, and Topil often feels her hands getting sore, but the thought of helping others keeps her going.
“I think about, yes, maybe my hand aches a little bit, but it's nothing compared to what people are going through now that are homeless,†she said. “And if I can help people become more comfortable, then that matters more to me.â€
TOP JOURNAL STAR PHOTOS FOR JANUARY
Top Journal Star photos for January
Top Journal Star Photos for January
LINCOLN, NEB. - 01/25/2021 - A man, who did not give his name, clears the sidewalk using a snowblower during a record breaking winter storm hit downtown Lincoln on Monday, January 25, 2021. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Kenneth Ferriera
Top Journal Star Photos for January
LINCOLN, NEB. - 01/25/2021 - Brothers of the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity hold on to mattresses while being pulled by a pickup truck along the street in front of the UNL Union during a winter storm in downtown Lincoln on Monday, January 25, 2021. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Kenneth Ferriera
Top Journal Star Photos for January
LINCOLN, NEB. - 01/25/2021 - Judith Andre takes a break from shoveling her sidewalk for a quick portrait during a record breaking winter storm in downtown Lincoln on Monday, January 25, 2021. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Kenneth Ferriera
Top Journal Star Photos for January
LINCOLN, NEB. - 01/23/2021 - Friends from the village, a group of current and former healthcare workers and volunteers, join together in their open air "fort" during a weekly potluck on Saturday, January 23, 2021. Tauni Waddington and Sheryl Teslow have constructed an open air "fort" in their backyard so the couple could continue to socialize with their close cadre of friends during the pandemic. Built out of PVC pipe, tarp, ropes, and some well placed propane heaters, they are able to stay warm outside. They gather every Saturday starting at 5:30 for a socially-distanced potluck and conversation. Sometimes a movie. they played cards every Saturday for years before the pandemic. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Kenneth Ferriera
Top Journal Star photos for January
Lincoln Southeast's McGinness Schneider (4) is fouled by Lincoln Northeast's Zander Beard (14) as he drives to the basket in the first half Jan. 23 at Lincoln Southeast.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Top Journal Star photos for January
Lincoln Northeast's Pierce Bazil (23) celebrates at the final buzzer as the Rockets defeat Lincoln Southeast 59-53 on Jan. 23 at Lincoln Southeast High School.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Top Journal Star Photos for January
Northwestern's Maxx Mayfield slams Nebraska's Caleb Licking in a 157-pound match in January 2021 at the Devaney Sports Center.
Kenneth Ferriera
Top Journal Star Photos for January
A health care professional work to fill syringes with doses of the Moderna vaccine at a mass vaccination clinic at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Friday.
Kenneth Ferriera
Top Journal Star Photos for January
A health care worker gets the first dose of the Moderna vaccine by a nurse at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Jan. 22.
Kenneth Ferriera
Top Journal Star photos for January
Lincoln East's Haley Peterson (left) dives for a loose ball against Lincoln High's J'unti Franklin in the second half Jan. 23 at Lincoln High.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Top Journal Star photos for January
Lincoln High's Kiana Wiley (left) celebrates a key layup late in the game against Lincoln East on Jan. 23 at Lincoln High.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Top Journal Star photos for January
Waverly's Abbie Carter (43) reacts after getting called for a foul against Wahoo's Toni Greenfield (10) with 1.3 seconds left in the game, giving Wahoo a chance to tie the game with two free throws Jan. 21 in Wahoo. Greenfield missed both shots and the Vikings held on with a 48-46 win over the Warriors.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Top Journal Star photos for January
LINCOLN, NEB. - 01/21/2021 - Female and male mallard ducks stand on a slightly submerged ice shelf as the blustery winds moves the water around them on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021, at Holmes Lake Park. Chilly temps are forecasted for the upcoming weekend. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for January
York's Destiny Shepherd (11) drives to the basket to score a game-tying basket against Norris' Brianna Stai (24) in the closing seconds of the first half Jan. 19 in York.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Top Journal Star photos for January
Norris' Trey Deveaux drives past York's Jake Erwin (5) and Ryan Seevers (23) for a first-half basket Jan. 19 in York.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Top Journal Star photos for January
Due to the pandemic the pool deck is less crowded and swimmers, coaches and race staff are required to wear masks on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, during the Gene Cotter Invitational at Lincoln Northeast High School. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for January
Norris' Dane Small steals the ball from Crete's Isaac Kracl in the second quarter at Norris Middle School on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for January
Austyn Sorensen releases some of her balloons at Nebraska State Capitol during the Walk for Life on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021. The annual Walk for Life was held in front of the state Capitol on Saturday. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for January
Steve Woitaszewski make measurements as he scores a deer during Nebraska Deer and Game Expo, Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, at Lancaster Event Center. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for January
A pair of bison, one hunkered down with blowing snow adhering to its fur and another on the prowl for food, weather the gusting 30 mph winds and precipitation which came to the area on Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, at Pioneers Park Nature Center. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for January
Customers order their sandwiches from Colton Harpst and Chris Mathews during lunchtime at Danny's Downtown Deli on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for January
Gov. Pete Ricketts (left) does an elbow bump with Sen. Steve Halloran during State of the State, Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021, Nebraska State Capitol. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for January
An order of Margaritas: the Sol y Luna (Blended house margarita with a touch of mango, strawberry, and kiwi syrup.), Husker Power and Freeman's (Homemade without a mix! Hornitos, Triple Sec and something else...) on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021, at Mi México Lindo, located at 8222 Holdrege St. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for January
Cindy Knippelmeyer (left) and her husband Tyson Knippelmeyer fish on the ice of Holmes Lake on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for January
Lincoln Pius X's Charlie Hoiberg (right) drives to the basket for two points against Bellevue West's Preston Ames in the first half on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021, at Bellevue West High School. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for January
Construction of the new high school near Northwest 48th and West Holdrege streets continues, Monday, Jan. 11, 2021. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for January
Melanie Butcher holds her cat Miss Chievous at Staybridge Suites, Monday, Jan. 4, 2021. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for January
Lincoln Pius X's Mac Boatman is flipped on his back by Omaha Northwestern's Eh Mu at Lincoln North Star High School on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for January
Nebraska wrestler Liam Cronin (left) greets Minnesota’s Patrick McKee before the 125 pound match-up on Friday, Jan. 8 2021, Devaney Sports Center. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for January
A family of snowpeople are seen on the front yard of the Parker family on Hickory Crest Road on Friday, Jan. 8, 2021. The five human children - Evan, Levi, Mia, Kate and Ella started the project on Monday with a snow family of five. The sculpture collection had since snowballed with the addition of grandparents, triplet cousins, aunt and uncle. At one point, the snow was so heavy, it took four grown man to lift the body section of the father. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for January
Frost coats prairie grass in Frank Shoemaker Marsh on Friday, Jan. 8, 2021. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for January
A red-tailed hawk keeps itself warm by dipping the tail in the water, Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021, at Holmes Lake. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for January
A view from behind the Zoo Bar bandstand on Wednesday, Jan. 6 2021. The music establishment is launching a membership program to help it survive the COVID-19 pandemic. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for January
Speaker Mike Hilgers (left) greets Sen. Lynne Walz after Walz was elected to be the chair of education committee during the first day of the 2021 legislative session, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for January
Newly elected and re-elected senators, including Sen. Lou Ann Linehan (center), swear in during the first day of the 2021 legislative session, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for January
Supporters of Pres. Donald J. Trump rally on the north side of the Nebraska State Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6 2021, during the first day of the Legislature. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for January
Lincoln Southeast's Jake Appleget (24) drives to the basket against Lincoln North Star's Brennon Clemmons (right) and Jake Seip (bottom in the first half on Tuesday, Jan. 5 2021, at Lincoln Southeast High School. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for January
A pedestrian crosses over a footbridge during their walk through Holmes Lake Park on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021. A warm and sunny day brought out all kinds of creatures out of their dens. After last weeks heavy snow, High temperatures in the upper 40s were a welcome relief. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for January
Judah Kirsch, 8, gets on a tube next to Phoebe the dog as he plays on a frozen pond at Pioneers Park, Monday, Jan. 4, 2021. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for January
Wyatt Haertel performs a frontside ollie off a hip ramp at Tierra Skate Park on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Reach the writer at lstephens@journalstar.com or 402-473-7241.
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