Quilters stitch healing gifts

WASILLA -- Being removed from the home by social workers is a traumatic experience for a child. But Valley CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) hopes to make it a little less frightening for children in the Mat-Su Valley. With the presentation of wall quilts for the Division of Family and Youth Services' new Wasilla office, CASA kicked off a campaign Thursday to provide a quilt for every child making his or her way through the court system.

"Anything we can do to make the process more bearable for children makes a difference," said Pamela Holen, volunteer coordinator for the Valley CASA program.

Valley Quilters Guild donated the handmade quilts, along with handmade polar fleece blankets, to CASA. The quilts and blankets range in size and are designed to fit children ranging from infants to teens. Francine Strother, co-chair of VQG's service committee, says the group also donates quilts to organizations such as Life Quest, the alternative high schools, Alaska State Troopers and local fire stations. She says the quilts offer comfort to people in times of trouble.

In addition to the quilts, CASA hopes to provide children who have been taken into state custody with their own backpacks. The backpacks would contain items such as pajamas, slippers, brushes, toothbrushes, books and plush toys.

"Some of these kids have never owned their own pajamas or toothbrushes," said Holen.

Like the quilts, the backpacks would become the possession of the children. CASA volunteer Susan Luebke says that when children move into foster care or are returned to the home, CASA volunteers will make sure these items move with them.

CASA, which is administered by the Office of Public Advocacy in Anchorage, is soliciting donations for backpacks and backpack items. Luebke says clothing and personal items are needed for children of all sizes, from infants through teens. While CASA welcomes individual donations, it is also soliciting sponsorships from corporations such as VECO and British Petroleum. In addition, Luebke says she's hoping that local dentists will donate toothbrushes and toothpaste and local hair salons will donate hair care items. Donations can be made directly to DFYS, located in the Carrs Mall in Wasilla. Effective July 1, DFYS will change its name to the Office of Children's Services.

Tom Cherian, acting director of DFYS, says he appreciates the efforts of CASA and Valley Quilters Guild.

"It shows support from the community and we are thankful for that," said Cherian. "It takes help from everyone to make the system work."