While collecting quilts to send to soldiers across seas over the past four years, Carole Carroll, founder of Miracle Quilts said she has received a lot of ‘kiddy quilts.?
‘A Mickey Mouse quilt is not appropriate to give to a 25 year-old man,? said Carroll.
Not wanting the hard work and donation to go to waste, Carroll found the VFW National Home for Children, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan that is a private, non-profit residential childcare agency providing long and short term residency to children and grandchildren of VFW and Ladies Auxiliary members whose parents are deceased, disabled or in a situation where they cannot provide needed care.
‘I heard about this VFW home and did some research and have gone up there several times,? added Carroll. ‘Our (quilting) group has donated quilts, hats, scarves, pillow cases, gloves, all kinds of things for kids.?
Carroll said she was planning on making a big donation at Christmas time last year, but when she called she was told they had more than enough donations. Realizing that most charities think about families and children at Christmas and Easter, Carroll called again and asked about making donations of Halloween Costumes for the kids. Jeri Martinez, marketing and developing officer of the VFW Home was thrilled.
‘We’re real excited they’re going to be bringing them out and making them for them. This is the first time something like this has happened,? she said. ‘To have them hand made like that makes it even more special. We’re looking forward to it and the kids are looking forward to it.?
Carroll said they have a spreadsheet of all 68 children by age and gender currently in the homes and they’re trying to have costumes for all ages.
‘People tend to think of the little kids, but there are quite a few kids that are 15 to 18 years-old,? she said. ‘I’ve been sewing like crazy.?
Carroll said they are looking for donations of sewn, new, or gently used costumes. All costumes need to be collected by Saturday, October 13 and they will be delivered the following week.
Those interested in donating costumes can contact Cheryl at cballard1@comcast.net and put ‘costumes? in the subject line, or call 248-393-5692. For more information on the VFW National Home for Children visit vfwnationalhome.org
Miracle Quilts are named after PFC. Joseph A. Miracle who was killed in action in the summer of 2007.