Originally Posted by sylviak

We live in the country, raise cattle and my DH is also a preacher for a small church. Many of the people in the area are poor and in the present economy, have little hope. We and also the little church have helped many of these people. About a year ago, a family of 10 moved in across the road from us. The man was a welder, but couldn't seem to keep a job. His wife (they weren't actually married) was drawing a large welfare check. But word was, they would sell their food stamps for money to by booze and drugs. Many times the kids were left with some of the older ones all night while the parents were out partying. The worst part was that they would send the kids over to our house to beg for food! We cleaned out our freezer to make sure the kids got fed. The kids were sweet. One of the little girls who was ll wanted me to teach her to quilt. When I mentioned this on another quilting site, a wonderful quilter sent me two boxes of beautiful fabric. She said she was just cleaning out her stash and maybe I could use it for the little girl or do whatever I wanted with it. I started her out on a strip quilt two days a week. I kept one of my spare machines set up so she could use it when she came. I though the strip quilt would help her to learn to make 1/4 inch seams. She was really excited and did a pretty good job. Unfortunately for her, an aunt had turned the parents in to DHS and just before they were ready to come out and take the kids, the family moved back to the northern part of the state and she didn't get to finish the quilt. I hope she will remember her almost quilt. And I'm going to use the rest of the fabric that was sent to me for charity quilts.