Blankets of love
Jun/11/2009
After the trauma of an unexpected pregnancy, countless visits to the doctor followed by the delivery, a single mother is almost always facing a mountain of expenses. But she won’t have to worry about keeping her child warm. Not if she is a client of Stanton Healthcare.
Stanton founder Brandi Swindell, Karon Atkinson and Deanna Anderson display one of the hand-made baby quilts that is presented to each Stanton client after their child is born.
Whenever a Stanton Healthcare client gives birth, she will receive a hand-made baby quilt. Boys receive a blue quilt while girls are given pink. Each has the child’s name sewn into the fabric.
Quilts often sell for up to $100, but this is not a for-profit project. It is truly – as they say – a labor of love.
The team of Karon Atkinson, Deanna Anderson and Joyce Charlton work together to produce coverlets for babies right after they are born. Karon is a master quilter, Deanna is a dedicated worker and Joyce has her own embroidery business.
“Doing this for these babies just makes me feel good,” said Karon, who lives in Boise. “It makes me feel good to contribute.”
Contributions are not in short supply for the three-woman team that has been supported by friends and family alike. Deanna and Karon do the quilting while Joyce stitches the baby’s name for each quilt.
“Everyone we talk to wants to do something (to help Stanton),” Deanna said. “I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be neat to make a quilt for each new baby?’”
Karon and Deanna each attend Calvary First Assembly Church in Boise and have their own built in support group when it comes to making gifts for Stanton clients. Joyce’s husband Bob is the Pastor of First Baptist Church of Boise Basin in Idaho City, also works to place foreign exchange students in local homes.
“One lady donated the material for the first one (which was presented to Baby Leia),” Deanna said. “People started giving us things and we knew we were on the right track. That’s when we knew God was in it.”
The trio uses their collective and individual talents to show love to the mother who already has enough on her plate.
Joyce Charlton is part of the trio that produces quilts for Stanton clients.
“A friend of mine does this for her business and people can spend close to $1,000 for their baby’s bedding,” said Karon, who moved to Boise from Salt Lake City 11 years ago. “I don’t want to do this professionally. When you do it for money, it’s no longer a hobby – it’s a job.”
It’s also a personal quest for Joyce, who takes an active role in Idaho City since moving there almost 20 years ago.
All three use their gifts and talents as part of a fight for the lives of women and babies. God can use anything, including a handmade baby quilt to offer hope.
Stanton founder Brandi Swindell, Karon Atkinson and Deanna Anderson display one of the hand-made baby quilts that is presented to each Stanton client after their child is born.
Whenever a Stanton Healthcare client gives birth, she will receive a hand-made baby quilt. Boys receive a blue quilt while girls are given pink. Each has the child’s name sewn into the fabric.
Quilts often sell for up to $100, but this is not a for-profit project. It is truly – as they say – a labor of love.
The team of Karon Atkinson, Deanna Anderson and Joyce Charlton work together to produce coverlets for babies right after they are born. Karon is a master quilter, Deanna is a dedicated worker and Joyce has her own embroidery business.
“Doing this for these babies just makes me feel good,” said Karon, who lives in Boise. “It makes me feel good to contribute.”
Contributions are not in short supply for the three-woman team that has been supported by friends and family alike. Deanna and Karon do the quilting while Joyce stitches the baby’s name for each quilt.
“Everyone we talk to wants to do something (to help Stanton),” Deanna said. “I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be neat to make a quilt for each new baby?’”
Karon and Deanna each attend Calvary First Assembly Church in Boise and have their own built in support group when it comes to making gifts for Stanton clients. Joyce’s husband Bob is the Pastor of First Baptist Church of Boise Basin in Idaho City, also works to place foreign exchange students in local homes.
“One lady donated the material for the first one (which was presented to Baby Leia),” Deanna said. “People started giving us things and we knew we were on the right track. That’s when we knew God was in it.”
The trio uses their collective and individual talents to show love to the mother who already has enough on her plate.
“A friend of mine does this for her business and people can spend close to $1,000 for their baby’s bedding,” said Karon, who moved to Boise from Salt Lake City 11 years ago. “I don’t want to do this professionally. When you do it for money, it’s no longer a hobby – it’s a job.”
It’s also a personal quest for Joyce, who takes an active role in Idaho City since moving there almost 20 years ago.
All three use their gifts and talents as part of a fight for the lives of women and babies. God can use anything, including a handmade baby quilt to offer hope.