These are challenging times for families from every corner of the country. Almost all of us know people who have been impacted by the downturn in our nations economy and the strife of war. And for many, the reality is hitting close to home.
Yet, every day, I see heartfelt examples of quilters stepping up to help to help their neighbors, communities and countries.
Oregon now has the 2nd highest unemployment ranking in the country but the Quilts from Caring Hands group, in Corvallis, Oregon, continues their important effort in the midst of it. Each year, the volunteer group sews about 400 quilts that are donated to local public service agencies. Up to 50 women participate.
A recent effort will benefit the Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence. Women from the group worked with an elementary class at Franklin School. Students, ages 5 and 6 stitched colorful blocks and were able to experience first hand the satisfaction of helping another.
Across the country in Mascoutah, Illinois, Lillian Heberer (pictured here), age 99, was the star of the 30th Annual Quilt Show held at the St. John United Church of Christ in Muscoutah this past weekend. Mrs. Heberer quilts with her group, which she was very instrumental in keeping together, once a week.
Lillian has plenty fans since everybody that gets married in her circle of friends, gets one of her quilts. She generously shares her knowledge and the experience gained from a century of staying busy and having something to look forward to—the secrets to a long life, according to Mrs. Heberer.
The Quilt of Valor Foundation, headed up by Catherine Roberts, is moving towards comforting 22,000 service members and veterans from the War on Terror with a tactile reminder of a caring community. Their Mission is to cover all war wounded and injured (physically and/or psychologically) with Quilts of Valor (QOV).
The QOV Foundation is a well-organized national effort that directly supports the men and women who are keeping our country safe. They rely on people like you and I to continue their work.
As our country works to move past an unfortunate recession, I am proud to work in an industry that supports quilters. In my nearly twenty years in this business, I am constantly touched by the generosity and kindness I have seen and experienced from quilters across the country. Should you need a new pattern to work with, remember, you can always visit the Kona Bay Fabrics site to download a lovely free pattern. Thank you for all you do!
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