The concept of “Time Well Spent” by giving back to our Community was never more in evidence than in 2020. With a nod to whimsy in fabric selection and new patterns quickly put into mass production; NeedleChasers members generously donated their time, skills, and materials to create hundreds of Face Masks for local hospitals, Senior Centers, The House of Ruth, our “other” service communities who do not sew, as well as friends and family.
Once again, NeedleChasers were not daunted by the challenges of a pandemic. Even though the day hovered in the 90’s, members came to the NCCC church to pick up kits so that our Quilt A Thon would go forward.
We came together “virtually” at our 1st Zoomed Quilt A Thon on July 8, 2020 to create beautiful Quilt Tops for two different Community Service Organizations. Ultimately, more than 75 NeedleChasers spent their time sewing, basting, quilting and binding 74 exquisite quilts. None contributed more than the WeeBees of NCCC who hand tied so many of the children’s quilts.
Eighteen (18) twin-sized quilts, six (6) lap quilts, twenty-four (24) placemats, and thirty (30) pillowcases were given to Becky's House (Rockville) and Priscilla's House (Gaithersburg) that are part of the Interfaith Works Women’s Organization (https://www.iworksmc.org/about-us/programs/interfaith-works-womens-center/). Becky’s and Priscilla’s House are programs that offer permanent supportive housing for vulnerable women, providing 24-hour support through Residential Coordinators, Medication Supervisors, and a full time Case Manager. These facilities provide a home-like environment where the residents can stay for many years. Since they house up to 8 women in each program, through the incredible generosity of NeedleChasers we were able to give each woman their own new quilt as the winter months approach.
 |
 |
Fifty (50) child-themed smaller quilts were delivered to Comfort Cases (https://www.comfortcases.org) whose mission it is to give children in the Foster Care System a sense of dignity by providing simple belongings (that include a blanket/quilt) in a backpack they can call their own.
The members of NeedleChasers of Chevy Chase have always held a core value of Community Service. We have donated hundreds of quilts to not-for-profit organizations as well as volunteering to share our expertise at many varied public events from the National Park Service to the Smithsonian.
We strive to provide many ongoing opportunities for members to be involved in giving back to the community through quilting. We try to have projects at every meeting for members to take home or work on at our Sewing Bees (4th Wednesday of the month) at the NCCC Church.
It is our goal to have Community Service project kits available to members at all times. Kits include breast cancer pillows, small quilts for children, pillowcases and other kits for future donations. If you'd like to offer your help or know of other community organizations that could use our assistance, please contact our Community Service Coordinator, Debbie Lamb-Mechanick.
Wee Bees  |
|
Past Quilt-A-Thons
Every year NeedleChasers come together.......
|
|
