Twice thankful

While the medical missions may still be on hold, our network of Wrap-A-Smile supporters certainly has not been idle. Today's thank you is directed to my friend Gail, a member of the Rotary Club of Winchester, MA, and one of my "forever friends".  

Last year Gail invited me to speak about WAS at her Rotary club.  Soon after, generous Winchester Rotarians awarded us a grant to start the "Kit's Project": packages of pre-cut squares for simple pieced tops, to be distributed in locations that might attract new quilters.  An additional motivation was to provide an easy way for people who might be less mobile, to still participate in our project. Who knew how our world would be turned upside down soon after!

Covid-cautions nixed most of our plans to speak at senior centers, retirement homes, etc, but Gail figured out ways to distribute a number of the kits in her local area.  Messages went out through her zoom fitness classes and via the local senior center.  Soon Gail was hanging kits on mailboxes and leaving them on doorsteps.  And then people called for more!  Stories came back to her about how rewarding it was for people to have a worthwhile endeavor to keep them busy during their times of enforced solitude.  (A bit of serendipity?) Thank you to all who sewed kits for us....you know who you are!

Gail recently sent these sample photos from pieced tops, showing the variety of fabrics used.  These tops will be transformed into finished quilts by our "quilting angels"..... and then sent around the world to comfort our patients during their surgeries.  How nice to know that comfort was provided during their creation!

And why "twice thankful"?  In addition to Winchester's support of the Kits Project, my speaking to the club resulted in this donation of quilted panels, created by NanaNancy, professional creator of personalized gifts, who was a guest at the Rotary meeting. Thank you, Nancy! These bright colors and happy images would certainly cheer any young child. 

If you have ideas of where our kits can be shared, we are happy to distribute them for no charge. Please contact quilts7780@gmail.com with your ideas.  Help us spread the fun!