The time and attention required to make quilts and other needed handmade items would lead one to believe it is a lot of hard work and it is, but Joyce Fitzpatrick and the crew behind Comforting Angel Quilters in Butler, Mo don’t see it that way. From their perspective is merely a labor of love.
By Doug Mager
As I made my way into their workshop located within the old Butler High School, everyone was found to be cheerful and quick to answer questions; but most importantly, truly enthused about their profession. “And this isn’t everyone” said President Joyce Fitzpatrick as she made introductions “we have even more helpers from all around including Drexel, Louisburg, Independence and as far away as Springfield.” And that wasn’t all. I struggled to get all the locations written down, hence apologies.
As our discussion ensued, it’s clear these volunteers have primary roles but most multitask as flexibility keeps the operation running smoothly. This well oiled machine requires managing a network of donations, the outside volunteers, then getting products to those who need them. And what are these tasks exactly? Transporting donated material to those who make quilt tops then getting the completed tops back which usually requires a little legwork. “But we make it fun. Our Springfield connection is Viola Potter who is 96 and owns the title of ‘it’s my job’ when it comes to making tops. Her daughter drives her to Collins, Mo where we meet, have lunch, some fun and take care of business” added Joyce.
Donations come from a variety of places including her front porch “I came home to a nice bag of material waiting for me. Don’t know who, but thank you!” as they are always welcomed.
There’s more “We don’t just make quilts for babies and adults- add to that pillows, pillowcases, children’s hats, bibs, totes and other needed items” as she pulled some examples that are generously donated to a broad range of outlets including the Missouri Baptist Children’s Homes, the Crittenton Center, the Butler Children’s Center, Lee’s Summit Cares, Newborns in Need and the Shiloh Center to name a few.
Organized in 2005 as a 501c3 organization, Comforting Angel Quilters was born of an idea Fitzpatrick had following her time spent with the Bates County Food Pantry and seeing excessive material donations to the Pantry Thrift Store. As material sales seemed sluggish, why not convert them to something truly useful? Hence Comforting Angel Quilters came to fruition and appears to have surpassed expectations; but there is a caveat or two.
“We seem to get plenty of regular material donations but one big fixed expense is batting (soft fill for the quilts) that we have to purchase” she added. The price can vary greatly, so yes, cash donations are equally important as they turn out about 500 quilts per year along with all the other items mentioned.
I asked for names of who volunteers with this effort and needed a couple pencil sharpenings before we got done: Jeanette Velkamp, Lila Harris, Martha Stocklaufer, Lillie Minks, Karen Gardner, Vena Purkey, Susie Serna, Cheryl Mohr, Sharon Fink, Cindy McEvoy, June Cumpton, Melissa Brown, Twila Jones, Yvonne Burnett, Viola Potter and Bonnie Miller. Some local, some far away. But all very dedicated.
And while dropping names, I’d like to say thank you to Sheila Cockman for turning me on to this interview about a passionate industry here in Bates County.
How can you help? While the quilters and crafters try to self sustain by doing fundraisers, monetary donations are greatly needed as well; anyone with sewing skills are welcomed too.
More information can be found on Facebook by searching Comforting Angel Quilters or give Joyce a call at 660-200-5208.
In closing, it was a fun, enlightening and educational morning with the quilters. I’ll end with a pun: “That’ll be a wrap.”
