Two of the most satisfying experiences in life are creating something beautiful and helping those in need. Now Falcon residents have the opportunity to join a local group that makes those experiences a regular event.Quilts from the Heart is a group of volunteer quilters who use donated materials to make bright and colorful quilts that they give to organizations helping children who have been abused, suffer from a serious illness or who come from severely impoverished families. Since January, 215 quilts have been made and donated to three organizations.Penrose Community Hospital receives quilts from Quilts from the Heart in varying sizes, since their pediatric patients range in age from newborns to eighteen-year olds. Another organization that receives quilts from Quilts from the Heart is Crossfire Ministries, an organization that extends a helping hand to families and individuals in severe financial need. Crossfire also participates in Colorado Springs Police Department’s DIVERT program, which temporarily houses women and children who are victims of domestic violence. In these situations, Crossfire furnishes domestic items and furniture to make an apartment a comfortable sanctuary.The third organization that benefits from Quilts from the Heart is The Children’s Advocacy Center. The center provides a safe and friendly atmosphere for abused or molested children during investigations of an alleged incident involving their family. Quilts provided by Quilts from the Heart are given to the children upon arrival at the center. The children keep the quilts with them during their medical evaluations and then take them when they leave, either to their own home or to a foster home.”I especially remember a little boy who handed me his quilt when it was time for him to go home. I gave him a hug and told him it was his to keep. His eyes lit up and he gave me a big smile,” says Sharon Tysen, an examining nurse at the center. “Some of these children come into the center without anything except what they are wearing and go directly from the center to a foster home. These quilts mean a lot to them.”Marilyn Canitz, Millie Galyen and Susie Moreno – the latter is a Falcon resident, founded quilts from the Heart. Though less than a year old, the group has 45 volunteers and an average attendance of twelve at their weekly meetings. If they can find a meeting place, preferably a large room with long tables, and there are enough interested volunteers, the group would like to start a weekly meeting in the Falcon area.”Quilts from the Heart is made up of volunteers who come to quilt because of the desire to brighten a disheartened child’s life,” says Galyen. “They are a wonderful group and they put their hearts into each quilt they make. They genuinely care about the children who receive these special quilts. The holiday season is especially difficult for these children. To make this year’s season more cheerful for them we are starting now to make Christmas quilts for them.”If anyone is interested in being involved with Quilts from the Heart, there are several options. For donating batting, fabrics or thread, call Marilyn, Millie, or Susie at the numbers listed below. Tax receipts for donations are available upon request. If anyone is interested in helping to form a group in the Falcon area, or if someone knows of a meeting place, call Susan at 683-4646. Colorado Springs meeting times and locations are listed below.Quilts from the Heart welcomes volunteers of any skill level. The experienced quilters in this group are willing to teach their craft to interested volunteers, especially those who are concerned for the children who will benefit.To donate quilting supplies:Marilyn Canitz 597-4062Millie Gaylen 570-1634Susie Moreno 683-4646Monthly meeting times and places in Colorado Springs:1st and 3rd Mondays, noon – 3:30 p.m., High Country Quilts, 4771 North Academy2nd and 4th Mondays, noon – 3:30 p.m., Ruth’s Stitchery, 4440 Austin Bluffs Parkway2nd Saturday, 9 a.m. – noon, Living Hope Church, 6750 North Union Blvd.
