2025 September Newsletter

Hello, September!

As the leaves start to turn, kids return to school and pumpkin spice sneaks its way back into everything, our chapter has been busier than ever! In this month's newsletter we're thrilled to share the heartwarming details of the Pay It Forward event hosted by Salt Lake City Police Department, send a big grateful thank you for the generous donations of materials we've received, and spotlight a very special contribution from the talented Quilting Sisters. There's a whole lot of kindness (and fabric) to go around so let's dive in!

Karen & Millie

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Pay it Forward: Back to School Edition

One of the favorite traditions each year of the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) is their Pay it Forward: Back to School event. This is a special day where officers team up with kids from across Salt Lake City to help them gear up for a great school year ahead. It's also a favorite tradition of our chapter to partner with SLCPD to help make this event memorable for the children of the community.

They welcome 30 amazing students, selected by the school district or SLCPD's own Promising Youth Program, and treat them to a morning full of kindness, connection, and back-to-school prep.

The day kicks off with a delicious breakfast generously provided by Chick-Fil-A (because shopping on an empty stomach is never a good idea!). Each child gets a breakfast sandwich and drink to start their day right.

Next stop: TARGET! Officers and kids pair up to pick out clothes, shoes, and school supplies and whatever they need to feel confident and ready for the year.

Once the carts are full and the smiles are wide, they wrap up the day with even more generosity. Essendant donates brand-new backpacks and school supplies, and our chapter gifts each child with a cozy handmade blanket to take home, a little comfort to go along with all the new gear.

This event is more than just shopping, it's about connection, community, and making sure every child feels seen, supported, and excited to head back to school. Our chapter is honored to participate in this event with SLCPD and look forward to the December event coming up!

A special thank you to Carrissa Schlesinger, Community Outreach Officer, for picking up the blankets for this event!

A Legacy of Love: Donations That Make a Lasting Impact

Over the past few newsletters, we've shared stories of our fundraising successes, but not all of our support comes in the form of dollars and cents. In fact, some of the most touching contributions come in the form of fabric and yarn, generously donated to help our Blanketeers create cozy, handmade "blanket hugs."

Often, these donations arrive during tender times, when a loved one, like a mother, sister, or friend has passed away, leaving behind a treasured stash of crafting supplies. We're honored when families choose us to carry forward their loved one's legacy. With every stitch, their spirit is woven into the comfort we pass on to others.

This past April, and again just last month, we received an incredible donation of beautiful fabric from Kathleen in Provo. Though her hands no longer allow her to quilt, her heart is still in it. She lovingly chose our chapter to receive her bins of fabric, knowing we'd turn them into something warm and meaningful.

We also recently received fabric and yarn from Marilyn, whose sister had passed away. In response to our thank you note, she wrote:

"I am so grateful for what you and your group are doing!!! I know it takes a lot of time, talent and money. My sister would be happy that you are using her fabric, and I'm glad you are using our yarn. Thank you very much!!!"

There have been many more of these heartfelt gifts over the years, and we're deeply thankful for each one. To all our fabric and yarn donors, THANK YOU. Your generosity helps us wrap the world in love, one blanket at a time.

Quilting Sisters: Stitching Together Friendship & Service for 26 years

What began 26 years ago as a small neighborhood quilting circle has blossomed into a vibrant and welcoming group of 25 dedicated quilting enthusiasts. Known as the Quilting Sisters, the group meets monthly to share not only a love of quilting, but a strong sense of community and service.

Many of the members joined with little to no experience, eager to learn the craft. Through hands-on instruction, classes, and plenty of encouragement, they have grown into confident, skilled quilters. Newcomers, especially beginners, are always welcomed with open arms, whether they're picking up a needle for the first time or returning to a longtime hobby.

Service is at the heart of the group's mission. Each year, the Quilting Sisters take on a special project to give back to those in need. Over the years, they have sewn lap quilts for care centers, baby quilts, and pillowcases for flood victims. They've partnered with a biker group to provide comfort quilts for children who have experienced abuse, crafted cloth dolls for hospitalized children, and supported global initiatives like Days for Girls.

This year the group proudly collaborated with our chapter of Project Linus, creating 14 lovely, warm, comforting quilts for children in need of a little extra love and security. The experience was both meaningful and rewarding, reinforcing the group's commitment to making a difference, one stitch at a time.

We are deeply grateful to this generous group for sharing their time and talents to support our mission. Their kindness makes a meaningful difference!