June Nielsen
Quilts from Caring Hands
Quilts from Caring Hands
946 Circle Blvd. #238
Corvallis, OR 97330
Phone: (541) 758-8161
E-mail:
mail
@quiltsfromcaringhands.com
Web site:
quiltsfromcaringhands.com
It is not often that a charitable outreach program blankets an entire community, but in June Nielsen’s group, they have achieved just that. In an effort to make a difference and give a heartfelt gift, June formed Quilts from Caring Hands.
Affected deeply by an article on infants born with AIDS, and it being impossible to physically reach out and hold each child in crisis, June Nielsen did the next best thing. She and three friends began making quilts and donating them to centers, shelters and institutions for children in need. Recipients included The Children’s Farm home, a center for emotionally disturbed children, and Child Welfare – State of Oregon; the 1st year, one hundred quilts were distributed.
The children the quilts help are as varied as the fabrics themselves. Multi-textured quilts are created for visually impaired children and for children with special needs. Because the quilts are handcrafted, each child is given a uniquely compassionate gift.
A small group of four women trying to help has grown to 60 women making a difference. Since she began Quilts from Caring Hands in 1990, June Nielsen has seen her idea grow to include public-speaking engagements, chairing a community outreach program, demonstrations at the state fair, a web site and fund-raising responsibilities. June is always welcoming new people into the group, and she is quick to reassure new members that they don’t need to be expert quilters. A desire to help is really all it takes. Since its inception, Quilts from Caring Hands has donated over 5,000 quilts to more than a dozen social service agencies serving children in crisis in its community.
Where Are They Now?
Larky Hansen, Chair, Quilts From Caring Hands
Our founder, June Nielsen, continues as an active participant in Quilts From Caring Hands; she sews, attends our weekly meetings, and also continues as a spokesperson for the group. She maintains the website and is a liaison with some of the agencies that receive our quilts.
Harlequin’s gift was welcomed with much joy, some real pride, and some relief! Because of Harlequin’s gift, Quilts from Caring Hands has been able to devote more time to the true cause—bringing joy and comfort to at-risk children in the local area by making and donating quilts.
Quilts from Caring Hands also made some significant purchases from the award funds. Because of the increased publicity from Harlequin and the new website, Quilts From Caring Hands has received donations from around the country, and helped spread the word about the joy of quilting for others.
The group at Quilts From Caring Hands began in 1990 with a handful of members meeting in the back room of a quilt shop. Now, the membership list is at 75, with 35 to 40 members showing up to tie quilts every Wednesday. This December, Quilts From Caring Hands anticipates giving away about 120 quilts, for a grand total (since the group began) of 7000 quilts!
So, to summarize, Quilts from Caring Hands has grown as a group. They continue to enjoy the whole process of meeting together, quilting, and donating to at-risk children in our area. Harlequin’s gift provided financial security and local recognition.