The vast majority of people’s lives have been touched by a tragic event, whether it be the loss of a loved one, a long (and most times, scary) journey with a loved one suffering from a terminal illness, or an event that was devastating to those directly involved, such as losing a home in a fire, etc.
We see such sad news on televised shows every day and night, but after the broadcast quits airing, most of us quickly dismiss it in our minds.
What if it were you or a loved one you know experiencing tragedy? As anyone that has lived through it knows, emotions run high and this article is not intended to address all of them. Feelings of loneliness, helplessness, and despair are but three and each are frightening and stressful. Hope may seem to be so far away that it appears unobtainable. We know that we cannot miraculously make everything “OK”, but, as quilters, what can we do? Anything? The answer for that is a resounding, “ABSOLUTELY”!
The Round Robin Charity Drive (RRCD) Project was announced on the Quilting Passion Forum in 2002 and the response was so immediate that it took off like a rocket! The RRCD Process is simple and has evolved, even perfected, if you would, over time.
Grab a cup of coffee as you enjoy the interview below with the Coordinator, Peggy (Idaho) and her assistant, Sheryl (Missouri) of this very special and unique project, but first, a glimpse into these wonderful women’s lives!
Peggy lives in Idaho and has been quilting since 1999. She has made about 25 bed-size quilts, has four (4) children of her own, and enjoys crocheting, quilting, reading, reality TV, and soapnet! She works outside the home and has met several people through the forum that she has corresponded with on a regular basis. She also visits with several forum members on the telephone, including me!
Sheryl lives in Missouri, has been quilting since 1985, and has made about 200 quilts, including 98 for Project Linus. She has two (2) grown children and recently retired from a secretarial position. Since then, she has been volunteering at a large hospital in her area. She also loves to read and crochet and has been making crocheted newborn caps for the hospital nursery.
Terry: When did the project begin and how many quilts have been donated since then?
Peggy: The QP Charity Project began March 5, 2002 and together, we have donated 1,387 quilts… of course, this figure will change before this gets published!
NOTE: At the time of publication, the number had increased to 1,402, with 138 of those being donated thus far in 2007.
Terry: How does the project operate?
Peggy: A forum member will donate a medallion (center of the quilt) and ask for volunteers to donate more blocks, borders, backing, batting, binding, and a label. We have a couple of ladies on the forum that make and donate finished quilts on their own, too.
Terry: How long is the waiting list for organizations wishing to receive quilts?
Peggy: The waiting list is usually 25 groups, give or take a few.
Terry: How many quilts do waiting list recipients receive?
Peggy: We like for each group to get three (3) quilts… of course, we always end up giving them more! It’s hard to just give three because they are so grateful to receive them.
Terry: How long does it usually take for names to come to the top of the waiting list?
Peggy: We can easily exhaust a list in 4-6 months, usually. And, I don’t always start at the top and work down. I like for the donated quilt(s) to go to the area of the person that mails it, if possible. It helps keep the cost of postage down for them.
Terry: What sort of “specialty” charity projects have the volunteer group participated in?
Peggy: We are currently donating quilts for a cancer drive in Idaho and we have participated for the past three (3) years in Quilt Pink.
NOTE: Quilting Passion Forum donated seven (7) quilts to Quilt Pink 2006 and helped with two (2) other quilts that were started locally in Mayes County, Oklahoma, making a total of nine (9) quilts donated for 2006.
Terry: What is your role, as Coordinator?
Peggy: My role is to monitor the progress of the quilts on the forum, maintain the mailing list of volunteers and the donation list. I troubleshoot problems that rarely occur and I also go through, every 3-6 weeks, and ask how everyone is doing and do they need help getting their part of the quilt finished. Real life happens to all of us and sometimes a volunteer needs to pass it on before she can do her part of the quilt.
Terry: What is the Assistant’s role?
Sheryl: I keep records of the progress of the Round Robin quilts, using an Excel spreadsheet. I monitor the forum every day to make sure that I know where every quilt in progress is. If quilts are not moving at a reasonable pace, I assist Peggy in inquiring about the progress of a quilt and offering assistance, if necessary.
When a quilt is mailed, I also keep a record of its completion, its name, and its destination.
Another thing I have been doing is writing Project Linus Headquarters in Bloomington, IL, when our donation list is getting short. They have been kind enough to include information about our project in their newsletter to their coordinators, who in turn contact us to request donations.
Terry: How many active volunteers are there currently?
Peggy: There are currently 48 members on the volunteer list.
Terry: What type of time-frame do we like to use to turn a quilt around?
Peggy: We like to see a turn-around in about two (2) months time.
Terry: Who is eligible to receive these quilts?
Peggy: Sheryl will send a letter to Project Linus Headquarters and ask the different chapters if they want to receive quilts. They then e-mail us with their address.
NOTE: Any non-profit organization that can substantiate their existence and cause can request to be placed on the waiting list. Project Linus is the largest organization on our list, but we have also served other organizations in the past.
Terry: Are all of these quilts made by hand/machine? In other words, are quilts ever purchased to give away?
Sheryl: I have never heard of anyone buying one to contribute. One of the basic conditions of Project Linus is that the blankets be hand-made.
Terry: Do people outside of your list of volunteers donate batting, fabric, etc.? If so, and someone would like to donate, how can they contact you?
Peggy: We are always looking for volunteers and donations from anyone and everyone! However, the majority of our donations come from our own forum members. Inquiries about donating can be made via e-mail.
Sheryl: I have received donations from a local civic group and a retiring fabric salesman, but I think most people have donated from their own funds entirely.
Terry: Are there any recipients with such touching stories that you would like to share?
Sheryl: I remember a family that lost their house in a fire. We sent quilts for all seven (7) children and both parents.
I also sent a western quilt to Montana that was given to a teenage boy who was paralyzed in an accident. His grandfather spent time talking with him, making up stories about the cowboys in the printed fabric. When his grandpa died, the boy couldn’t go to his funeral, but insisted that the quilt be draped over his grandpa’s casket. Also, coincidentally, the design I quilted into the borders matched their ranch’s brand!
I also donated a flip flop quilt locally that was chosen by a mother while her teenage daughter was in a coma. The mother wrapped herself in it while she waited for her daughter to wake up… and she did!
Terry: Another quilt was donated to a 16 year-old boy in Oklahoma City that had a heart transplant. His grandmother said he clung onto that quilt for the year that he lived after receiving it. The young man requested that he be buried with his quilt and he was. One of our volunteers lived in the area and the Daily Oklahoman did a feature article on it and took pictures. It was very sad for us when the young man passed away.
I hope it has become apparent to all of you who read how important this project is to the Quilting Passion Forum. There are many on the forum that support the project, but do not volunteer to work in it, due to time constraints, finances, etc.. I also hope that this article inspires you to make a quilt, no matter how large or small, and donate it to a charitable cause. The satisfaction you will get cannot be described with words; only through experience!
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April 16, 2007, will be remembered as one of the darkest days in the history of the Virginia Tech community and the world beyond.
