The first thing patrons notice when the visit Billie’s Designer Fabrics in Chehalis, Washington is the antiques. “We display more than 100 antique children’s sewing machines in our shop,” says owner, Billie Melin. They are a lot of fun, but we are serious about providing our community with all the fabric, sewing, and sewing instruction needs.”

Fortunately for Melin, they have been able to remain open during the pandemic, and even started sewing facemasks for customers. “It’s had an effect on our bottom line, but we are slowly getting back on track,” she says.

With sewing machines at the ready, Billie’s Designer Fabrics is partnering with Columbia Bank’s Pass It On Project to help the community in the best way they can. Billie’s Designer Fabrics is providing supplies to a church in need and Columbia Bank is paying the bill. “We are providing support and supplies to St. John’s Lutheran Church,” says Melin. “They make robes for people in nursing homes and with Columbia Bank’s support, we are going to help them with this noble mission.”