Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Happy Quilters

Quilters are among the happiest people I know.
And there is a reason why.

According to a story in USA today by Ken Pope:
CHARITY IS MORE ABOUT HAPPINESS THAN WEALTH
"Degree of one's charity depends on happiness more than wealth; A Gallup poll done for the Charitable Aid Foundation finds more correlation between happiness and giving than between wealth and giving."
"So it's true. Money doesn't buy happiness. Giving does."

As I associate with quilters, I see so many charitable acts of kindness being performed. And I see the happiest of women.
Now I understand more fully why.
Just one cause many quilters are involved in this year is the 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge sponsored by American Patchwork & Quilting. Their theme: Make A Pillowcase/ Make a Difference.
We are asked to donate our pillowcases to local charities to "show the world how caring quilters are."
Many quilt shops are the gathering place for our donations.
Yesterday I heard the most wonderful story from Lori Pallas, manager of Quilted Works in St. George, Utah.
Lori often takes her 13 year old daughter to a local rest home as a way to teach Charity within their family. On last weeks visit, Lori presented a stack of pillowcases that had been donated by the customers of Quilted Works. Not only did the pillowcases brighten the rooms of the aged, but it also brought tears to the eyes of the staff. They thanked her sincerely, and said "that sometimes they feel forgotten".
The experience had such an impression on Lori's teenage daughter, that now her friends are asking to come along on the next visit.
I see happiness in these girls future.

9 comments:

Becky said...

What a touching story about Lori's daughter! I'm spending lots of time in senior living facilities between my MIL and my Dad. There is such a hungry for contact with younger people. Last Christmas, I didn't make any quilts to give as gifts. It just wasn't the same as when I have a quilt or homemade project for family or friends. Thanks for reminding us that in giving we are truly happy. Take care!

Janet said...

That is a wonderful example and I think how lucky the aged in that center are to have a young person visit them and vice versa.

Material Mary said...

Great little post there Nedra!! Out quilt guild is doing the pillowcase thing upcoming in October. Should be fun!
Mary

Sherri said...

I loved reading this, Nedra...I so agree that we see so many wonderful examples of giving in quilters!

em's scrapbag said...

What a beautiful story. Thanks for sharing.

Sparky said...

I confer with you...quilters are happy people...I know a few of them and my life is indeed richer...
Rae Ann has spoken so highly of you..thought I would walk on in and say hello...Hello...from madame samm

Selvage Quilter said...

What a good story. Thanks.

You live in such a beautiful part of the country. I've been to your area many times to visit Zion and Bryce Canyon. Wow! Next time I want to find the quilt shop that you mentioned!

Nat Palaskas said...

Great example for young people. I'm with you money doesn't give you happiness, but giving does. I am very happy this week due to awaiting dream comes true. I immediately opened a new account with KIVA that change lives - I wanted to share my happiness with those who are less fortunate than I am - Hugs Nat

SewCalGal said...

Inspirational, in so many ways. Thank you!

SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com