Pillow Pals......

We took several bags of food to the food pantry in Port Washinton a few weeks ago with another membersof D6-FAWN (Forward Action Wisconsin Network). While there the director took us on a mini-tour to see their storage area, the section where neighbors who need some extra help can come for a bag of groceries or some clothing or some toys for their little ones.

For years Dave and I have celebrated the Christmas holidays with an open house. We "charge" our guests. Instead of bringing us a bottle of wine or something we ask they bring non-perishable food items and then we take everything to a food pantry near our home. It's just a small way of making a very small difference. And for years Dave served on the board of directors for a small food pantry in Milwaukee, so we are familiar and support their efforts.

While visiting the local shelter the director mentioned that they also provided some support for a local woman's shelter. And that got me to thinking about the shelter and the work it does. I don't know where it is located, a privacy/safety situation.....I understand. I checked on line and found some information:

Mission: To support and empower those who have experienced domestice or sexual violence by providing safety, advocacy, eduation and resources......

Purpose: To end domestic and sexual violence through support, empowerment, education and transformation.

I began thinking about the women who must leave their homes and literally run for safety.....bundling up their children and leaving with just about nothing except the clothing on their backs. And I began to think about the children, especially the young ones, and how frightening this must be. And I began to wonder if there was some little thing I could do to provide just a modicum of comfort.

I quilt.....but don't really need any more quilts. (Not that I am going to stop anytime soon!) Then I remembered a stuffed toy I made for my kids when they were each about a year old......I called them "Pillow Pals" and made them because we were on a pretty strict budget. It meant another gift we could wrap for under the Christmas tree or at the birthday celebration. I began to wonder if Pillow Pals would provide any comfort for the children who end up at the shelter.

I contacted the volunteer coordinator via email and she said "yes"......so the first bunch is ready and waiting. A volunteer will come and pick them up to take them to the shelter.

It's a way to use up some of my extra fabric while, hopefully, supplying hugs to children who might need them. They won't know me.....and I won't know them.....

Sometimes it just feels good to try to do something.