A group of area quilters associated with Demelia’s Quilt Shop in Yoder recently donated 24- quilts to the Child Advocacy Center at Horizons Mental Health Center, a member of the Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System.
Jane Holzrichter, Director of the Child Advocacy Center and Prevention Services at Horizons, said the center handles about 180 cases per year involving children who are suspected to have been sexually or physically abused. All cases are referred to the Child Advocacy Center by the Department of Children and Families, law enforcement and other related agencies.
“The quilts will be given to children of all ages after they have completed their forensic interview in an effort to provide what we call a comfort item,” Holzrichter said.
Cindy Mastro, owner of Demelia’s Quilt Shop, said the group of quilters enjoys getting together as they sew and fellowship for a worthy cause.
On the second Sunday of each month between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., a group of as many as eight quilters are hard at work at Demelia’s making quilts. If all goes well, Mastro’s group will donate at least 24 more quilts to the Child Advocacy Center prior to January 1.
“My greatest satisfaction is knowing that we can have a positive impact on someone else’s life,” Mastro said.
Mike Garrett, M.S., LCP, Chief Executive Officer of Horizons Mental Health Center, said the Child Advocacy Center’s mission has been enhanced by the contributions from a group of quilters in Yoder.
“The residents of the Yoder community stand out as a model to our area for giving of their time and resources for a host of good causes,” Garrett said. “Now, thanks to Cindy Mastro’s quilting group, these young people in our community are aided during a difficult time in their lives.”