Wrap-A-Smile takes a Pause

I have postponed writing this post, and I do it now with a heavy heart.  

Last spring Rotary-related medical teams which provide free corrective surgeries for children born with cleft lip and cleft palate anomalies, sadly suspended all of their international trips due to COVID-19 concerns. Unfortunately there is now a large backlog of children awaiting treatment, but plans are in place to resume missions just as soon as it is deemed safe to do so. In the meantime, innovative new programs of virtual trainings for local health providers have been created.  Helping to train clinicians in the host countries has always been a part of the medical missions and technology is now helping to facilitate that.

The good news in this story is that thanks to the generosity of quilters from all over the country there is now a generous inventory of children’s quilts safely stored, awaiting the days when they can be put to work comforting patients.  Wrap-A-Smile extends its heartfelt thanks to ALL the quilters who have been so generous. Posted here are a sampling of the many many WAS quilts that have been received over the past few weeks. It has been quite the traveling quilt show!

The news I have delayed sharing is that Wrap-A-Smile will not be collecting quilts for at least another year.  This is definitely a temporary “pause”. We will sound the horn loud and clear when we can start up again!  This project will endure, and we will absolutely need more quilts in the future. In the meantime, I'm sure we all know of needs in our own communities, people who might be comforted by the warm hug of a handmade quilt.  

As many of you know, Wrap-A-Smile founder Terry Hodskins Fullam passed away last May but her legacy continues.  To date over 27,000 quilts have now been shared around the world.  Quite a story - all started by one remarkable woman, with one good idea.  

Stay tuned for good news updates 

Enjoy the show 💞

Thank you BrendaLou, Marci and Kathleen

Thank you Margaret

Thank you Cheryl

Thank you Carol

Thank you Mary

 

Thank you Colleen

Thank you Karen

Thank you Seacoast, NH, friends

Thank you Seacoast, NH

Thank you Louise

Thank you Evergreen guild, Kennebunk, ME

Thank you Kaleidoscope guild, Brunswick, ME

Thank you Joanne W

Thank you Kim, Linda and friends, Walworth, NY

Another from Kim and Linda's group

Thank you Kathleen P and Colleen

A few completed quilts from the kits project

Getting ready to ship 💞


Apologies for not showing every quilt received. Please be assured that all quilts received are valued and will be treasured by their recipients. We know how much love goes into these creations.