Originally Posted by
ghostrider
I know this town well. I spent most of my childhood and youth there, moved back when I was first married, my daughter was born there and many of my relatives are buried there. All Newtown is asking for are prayers and the world's respect for their privacy.
I know that sending quilts in times of trouble makes many quilters feel good, but the people of Staten Island, NY who are still living without electricity and heat in thier homes would be so much better served by your generosity than the families in Newtown. Please let the parents and counselors decide how to best comfort each individual child now and in the years to come.
The USPS has set up a special PO box if you care to send notes or letters to the families, the first responders, or the residents. Please know it is for cards and letters only, not for packages, and that all incoming mail will be screened by local community groups to make sure it is appropriate for the families. The address is, PO Box 3700, Newtown, CT 06470.
Agree, ghostrider ...
We've visited Newton several times before, we have friends in CT, and while this community has suffered a terrible, horrible tragedy ... I don't understand this request for 700 BLANKETS ? either ... Do the Brits call quilts blankets ??
The families in Newton as I recall, are mostly upper-middle class, to the very wealthy. I would think that nearby Connecticut quilt guilds and bees can provide comfort QUILTS for the children & families involved ... but 700 ... ??? Seems a bit much
Ditto to your reminder re. all those who are STILL IN NEED after the severe devastation of Hurricane Sandy. Quilters, please make a quick quilt or 2 to send to Sandy victims as well. Many are still without power, heat and basics, and into cold winter now. Our quilt bee of 20 members has sent 80+ quilts and have more to finish ...
I know very well how the Feds /FEMA respond to hurricane recovery, we lived through it here with Hurricane Ike in 2008. FEMA has (hopefully) improved their red tape and missteps since then - but the FED (& insurance) wheels still turn ALL TOO SLOWLY ...