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61 °F Forecast | Road Cams Sunday, September 12, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics Tempo AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map SPECIAL SECTIONS Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Prime Times Wellness Connection Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Wedding Guide Rogue Valley's Finest EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People MARKETPLACE Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Classifieds Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend November 13, 2003 Ione Kohn of Trail holds up one of the 100 quilts that the Material Girls of Shady Cove donated to Providence Medford Medical Center Wednesday. Mail Tribune / Jim Craven ‘Material Girls’ donate quilts By SANNE SPECHT Mail Tribune Each year, just in time for Thanksgiving, a bounty of colorful "comfort quilts" is delivered to Providence Medford Medical Center. This year, the 49 members of the Material Girls of Shady Cove donated 100 handmade quilts to patients in need of a warm and fuzzy hug. "We request each member make one comfort quilt each year," said member Sandee Krueger. "We jump-started our baby quilts this year with two donated bolts of fabric. We called it the ‘Rose Challenge.’" The fabric from the two different rose-patterned bolts runs like a common thread throughout many of the quilts. Others are adorned with bears, babies and balloons. Advertisement The diversity of the quilts is a testament to the imagination of the members. The diversity of those who receive them reflects the patient load at Providence, says Ginny Friesen, registered nurse. "I just gave a quilt to a woman in critical care," said Friesen. Divvied up to all the hospital units — from emergency to oncology — the quilts are gone in weeks. When the patients are released, they take the quilts home. Special emphasis is given to the pediatric patients. Sometimes the quilt may be the first blanket a newborn receives, said Providence Marketing Director Karen Elliott. "We use them a lot in baby layettes with needy moms," said Elliott. The quilters started making comfort quilts in 1996. For the past five years, the group has surpassed each previous year’s number. The group meets every Tuesday at the Upper Rogue Grange in Trail. "We meet all day, at least until 4 (p.m.)," said Krueger. "Usually the first Tuesday is designated to comfort quilts." There is a constant demand for the quilts. The 48 women and one man offer their particular brand of solace not only to hospital patients, but also to accident and fire victims in the Upper Rogue area. The group relies on donations of materials to create its rainbow of quilts, which range in size from crib to double bed. Fabric, thread, batting — all donations are gratefully accepted, members say. Quilter Rebecca Webb said the art of quilt-making is still alive, but quilters are not as prevalent in today’s world. "Let’s face it, quilters die," said Webb with a smile. "But then the child or grandchildren donate to us. Sometimes quilt shops or fabric stores donate, too." Anyone wishing to participate or donate may contact quilt club President Teresa Vaughn at 541-878-7336. Reach reporter Sanne Specht at 776-4497 or e-mail [email protected] . Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities