Local quilters' mission to providing comfort

Each month a group of 18 women have gathered at the Stitchin' Post classroom to sew and donate quilts of all sizes for the needs of our community. This small but enthusiastic group is part of the East of the Cascades Quilt Guild. Their mission is to use their skill and talent to care for the needy, injured, and poor.

In the hard economic times of 2012 they have produced 106 quilts - a record for their 14 years of service. The quilts are distributed to FAN (Family Access Network), the sheriff's and fire departments, Head Start, and the Black Butte Police Department. All emergency vehicles carry them. They fill the need in domestic, accident, or adjustment situations. These quilts may be the only birthday, Christmas or relocation gift a child receives.

"When someone covers our neighbors with a quilt and says 'It's yours, take it home,' we get our reward," says quilter and project coordinator Barbara Herlocker. "Whenever I get a call asking for quilts, I pick some out of our inventory that fit the family and deliver them - it's a great incentive for this grandmotherly bunch."

Materials to assemble and sew the three layers of a quilt cost each volunteer. To supplement costs, they sell some each summer. Because of this year's increased need, Herlocker will be selling these and other quilts as holiday gifts at The Porch Restaurant, 243 N. Elm St., this holiday. Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, starting November 28; or to see by appointment, call Barbara at 541-410-4273. (Do not call the restaurant.)

"Donations of fabric, batting, unfinished tops or blocks, and cash may also be dropped off during these hours," Herlocker said. "We are always looking for new helping hands. Our next sew day is Tuesday, December 4, 9 a.m. to noon at Stitchin' Post. Drop in and see what we do."