#NeighborhoodHeroes: Stitches for Kids makes quilts to give to kids that need more comfort in their lives
Stitches for Kids is a group formed from the Indio Senior Center that gets together and makes quilts to donate to children who are in need of a little comfort. “The idea was to make cuddle quilts for these children in crisis situations,” said Beth Irish, a member with Stitches for Kids. They were founded in 2003 and have since donated about 5,000 quilts. During the pandemic alone, they made over 300 quilts. They would meet in the parking lot of the Indio Senior Center to drop the blankets off, pick up fabric and batting, then go back home and spend another month sewing.
They donate to places like Olive Crest and the New Life program with the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission. On Tuesday, they dropped off 39 quilts to Olive Crest. Olive Crest is a non-profit organization in the Coachella Valley that ensures every child has a safe and loving home. “They carry it everywhere with them because it’s their one thing they can call home even when their home doesn’t feel like home,” said Tatyanna Voorhies, the community involvement coordinator at Olive Crest. She explained that each quilt, just like each child, has their own personality. The staff will go through the quilts and try to match the design to a child's personality and interests. “It’s that personalization and that relationship that they have with the quilts that can make any situation get a little bit brighter,” said Voorhies.
“The children are not in a good situation and they need something that is just theirs,” said Irish. She said this work gives her a sense or purpose, especially during times of isolation amid the pandemic. “It gives me a very warm feeling to know that my talent can help somebody else in such a comforting way," added Irish. Voorhies thanked the women for all their hard work. “The love that they pour into these quilts, the love is really poured down onto our kiddos and we are so grateful for all the work that they do,” said Voorhies.
Stitches for Kids is always taking donations for fabric and batting to make the quilts. They are also looking for more helping hands. They say if you can sew, even a little bit, and have your own sewing machine there are members that will teach you how to make quilts. To donate or volunteer you can visit the Indio Senior Center.
Olive Crest is also always looking for volunteers and donations. For more information on Olive Crest visit their website.
News Channel 3's Taban Sharifi talks with the quilters of Stitches for Kids and a representative from Olive Crest on just how meaningful these quilts are to the kids. Tune in to the full story tonight at 5 p.m. on KESQ News Channel 3.
Celebrating #NeighborhoodHeroes
While the coronavirus crisis is keeping us apart, we know the Coachella Valley community is still coming together to help each other. We are looking for those who are lending a hand during this uncertain time. Do you know of any everyday people who are going out of their way to help others? Have you seen someone find creative solutions to the new challenges we all face?
News Channel 3 wants to celebrate these neighborhood heroes. Tell us about them here. Enter HERE or email SHARE@kesq.com. If you see good happening on social media, share it with us, and tag it #NeighborhoodHeroes for us to see.
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