Sunshine
is the group that coordinates the charitable efforts of the Guild.
We make baby quilts, lap quilts and sometimes
larger quilts for delivery to local organizations such as Jersey 'Battered
Women's Shelter, Runnells Specialized Hospital, Children's Specialized
Hospital, Veterans Hospital, Habitat for Humanity, and NICU Beth Israel Hospital
Newark. We also donate single quilts to
be used in raffles or auctions for charitable organizations' fundraising. We have recently begun making isolette covers
to be used in the NICU at Beth Israel Hospital in Newark to create a womb-like
environment for these tiny wisps of humanity.
From
donated and purchased fabrics, the committee organizes putting together kits
including tops to be pieced, the batting, backing and binding. Donated quilt tops are welcomed; donors can
include or not, the backing and binding.
We will complete the kit as needed.
Complete
a kit or work on any one of the stages along the way. Piece the top, quilt the sandwich (by machine
or tie), or add the binding. Return the
kit when finished. There are typically on the order of 120 kits in play at the
various stages of completion.
The committee chairs handle the donation. On a particularly cold February day 2010, we
delivered 14 quilts to the JBWS and were told that night there were 14 mothers
being sheltered. Serendipity.
December's
Guild meeting includes group quilt tying.
Sunshine lays out the backing, batting and tops on tables; small groups
work together tying. Typically we are
able to tie 25 to 35 or a few more quilts in the one evening.
With
unending, ever increasing need, we would like to increase our efforts. Judy Mason and friends are organizing more
regular bees during the week. If you
would like to organize a bee, please coordinate with us and we'll contribute
the supplies.
2007 - 149 quilts, 53 walker bags, 47 foley bags, 10 pillow cases and 60 other items
2008 - 65 quilts donated
2009 - 60 quilts donated
2010 - 84 quilts donated
For
next year, the 2012-2013 Guild Year, we are looking for new committee
chairs. For one person, it's a lot of
work. For two people, it's quite
manageable. From experience I would offer, if working full-time, it's hard to
organize bees and the numbers above clearly show the benefit of having bees. Step up, show your heart. We're very happy to assist with the
transition.
You can contact Sunshine at sunshine@gardenstatequilters.com.
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