Quilters add comfort for teen shelter

Some local quilters are feathering the Sparrow’s Nest of Northwest Montana shelter being built in Kalispell.

Eight women turned out Feb. 3 for a work day organized by Pat Freebury at Epworth United Methodist Church. Freebury had already quilted eight twin-sized tops from scrap fabric of her own. The quilters busied themselves with cutting, pinning, ironing and sewing eight quilts that will be donated to the shelter that will house homeless high school students in Kalispell.

Linda Andersen donated four tops and backings plus a roll of batting to the project and the Epworth Methodist quilt group donated fabric. The church group also meets twice a month to make quilts for church members going through difficult times, Freebury said. Other quilt groups also are getting involved. The church’s machines and equipment will be used at a second workshop at 1 p.m. March 7 in the church’s fellowship hall. Anyone or any quilt shop that can offer to do some machine quilting would also be appreciated.

Part of the effort will include making children’s quilts for orphans in Haiti. Freebury has made four trips to Haiti over the years to help with an orphanage there that has since closed, however, a new orphanage for younger children is being established.

Volunteers and fabric are needed. Call Freebury at 752-1153.

An open house for Sparrow’s Nest of Northwest Montana’s Whitefish location will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 26. The shelter is turnkey-ready for up to five teenagers to move in and is located in the former parsonage of St. Peter Lutheran Church at 200 Colorado Ave. Everyone is welcome to tour the new home and meet the executive director. Park at the church at 201 Wisconsin Ave.

For details, call 406-309-5196.

Cheerful Heart marks its 14th year of service to Lake County cancer patients.

The nonprofit organization provides free nonmedical services including running errands, meal preparation and transportation and resources through the Wigs, Hats & Scarves Program, and also offers Cheerful Touch, a program that provides help with skin/hair care and massage.

Volunteer coordinator and board member Barbara Morin wrote recently to express her appreciation for those who have helped further Cheerful Heart’s mission.

“We thank each and every one who has generously donated to Cheerful Heart, both financially and by giving your precious time,” Morin said. “We look forward to continuing our mission in 2016.” To find out more, visit www.cheerfulheart.org.

The Kalispell Senior Center wrapped up a successful holiday with its Christmas wrapping station at Kalispell Center Mall. Seventy volunteers donated from three to 30 hours each wrapping gifts. Many donated ribbon, bows and wrapping paper.

On behalf of the center, activity chairwoman Rosainne Taylor thanks everyone who brought their packages to be wrapped and donated so generously, as well as the Kalispell Center Mall for letting them set up shop there.

Community editor Carol Marino may be reached at 758-4440 or by email at community@dailyinterlake.com.