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Duffle bags, quilts provide cheer for foster children
Sunday, August 24, 2008 7:08 PM EDT
Cemetery Chapel Christian Church members began a mission to give local children placed in foster care something familiar to hang onto once separated from family and home.
"Some of these children leave their homes with nothing more than a diaper or the clothes on their backs," said Louise Brown, congregation member. "We wanted to give them something to hold onto they can call their own."
Duffle bags, 20 of them, were donated to the cause; but an empty duffle bag was not in the plan.
"We asked around for donation of pens, journals and little items children would need like tooth brushes and personal hygiene items; a lot of people were very generous," Brown said.
As a special warming gesture, church members approached "Small Town Gift Shop" in Augusta, to have small quilts made for each duffle bag.
"We had intended to pay for them," Brown said.
Instead, shop owner Julie Shackelford insisted on donating the quilts in memory of her mother, Diane Claypool, Brown said.
Brown's voice cracked and her eyes began to tear as she spoke of seeing the quilts and learning of the donation.
Like a rainbow of colors, 20 quilts were created using 20 different patterns of material. she said.
"They are just beautiful," she said.
All age range interests from infants to teens were represented in the designs which include everything from butterflies and flowers to dinosaurs and sports themes.
"I don't think two of them are alike," Brown said.
On Wednesday evening, church members delivered the filled duffle bags to the Bracken County Social Services office.
The need to place a child in foster care varies each month, but the bags will be put to good use, said Becky Smallwood.
"The quilts are beautiful and the donation will be appreciated by the children," said Smallwood.
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Contact Wendy Mitchell at wendy.mitchell@lee.net or call 606-564-9091, ext. 276.
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