Giving a Child a Hug and Some Hope

Inspired by Katie of  Swim Bike Quilt, I have chosen to support and promote the annual 100 Quilts for Kids charity quilt drive.  She has been organizing this event for the past three years which runs this year from July 1 - September 30th.  You can find all the information here.

There's really nothing to it... Give some quilt love to a child.

I chose to donate these two quilts to Optimism Place - Women's Shelter and Support Services in nearby Stratford of Perth County, Ontario.

My first thought was of babies, baby quilts, neo-natal units, sick kids hospitals... But in the end, my desire was to give these two larger-than-baby sized quilts to fill the need of someone who may not have a thing.  Those who arrive at a women's shelter are fortunate if they have a few pieces of clothing with them when they arrive - and knowing any mother - their first thoughts would be simply to get their children to a safe place.  Possessions?  Would there even be any consideration?

Our family lives in what I consider to be a remote, rural area.  And our kids have had a fairly sheltered upbringing.  Since we were also going to visit my parents, who live in Stratford, I brought my daughter with me to deliver these quilts.  And her reaction leads me to believe she will remember this day.

Upon our return to our car in the parking lot, after seeing the intense security procedures at the shelter, Erin said, "Massive lock down happening there!"  It gave me a chance to explain to her how I was grateful that there was a place, where women and their children could go, when life leads them into a bad situation.  Somewhere they can be made to feel safe.

 In my heart, along with that thankfulness, there is a great joy to know that those quilts will bring comfort and warmth to whomever the recipients may be.

Sure glad you joined me today!  And I offer you a big quilty hug if I have inspired you to also donate a quilt!

Keep on, Quilting on!