2008 is just around the corner

The year 2008 is just around the corner and still our heart mourn for the lost of all those we care for that we have lost whether on 9/11 fallen soldiers or someone dear that was taken from us in a short period of time. While the rest celebrated the New Year let us take time to remember all those that mourn the loss of a love one. Reflect on them and pray for strength and courage.

A Gift to the September 11 Memorial Museum

On October 23, 2007 Freedom Quilts, Inc. presented the September 11th Memorial Museum with one of our five original quilts that started this project. Former Governor George Pataki from New York City traveled to Iowa for the event and thanked all those who helped to bring comfort to the 9/11 families. To date, Freedom Quilts has given over 5,70 quilts to families of 9/11 and fallen soldiers families.

The first photo is of Betty Nielsen Founder of Freedom Quilts and Lee Ielpi, President of the Sept 11th Families Association. Lee lost his son, Jonathan L. Ielpi. In the second photo are some of our Freedom Quilters: Wes, Helen, Beulah, Jan Ramirez Curator of the Museum, Betty founder of Freedom Quilts, Jan, Lolly, Linda, and Betty's two granddaughters.

Holiday

The holidays are here, and it is time to reflect on families and friends. But please do not forget those who have lost a love one, for they need our love and support.

Beginnings

Freedom Quilts, Inc. began with the small vision of making five quilts dedicated to the victims of September 11th. And before I knew it, we were soon aiming to make a quilt in honor of every September 11th victim. Since then, our organization has grown before my very eyes from the five original quilts that were pieced together in my living room to the giving of over 5,000 quilts to families across the country. We have been successful in reaching out to comfort so many families because of one reason... people have cared.

People have cared enough to donate their beautiful quilts to our cause. Others sought to purchase fabric, thread and needles. Individuals working for newspapers and television stations have cared enough to help us spread the word and generate greater support. Dedicated people have volunteered hours upon hours of their time to sew and piece together quilts. Freedom Quilts, Inc. has been able to comfort mourning families because so many of our fellow friends, neighbors and citizens have joined together in support of a shared cause.

Thank you. We could not have comforted so many people without your love and generosity.

Quilts have been sent to us from caring people in every state of The United States. Our mission has even reached the hearts of those who live abroad. To date, we have received over 25 quilts from Japan, fabric and other donations have been received from Australia, France, Israel, England, and Guatemala plus many other places around the world. The Freedom Quilts mission doesn't end at bringing comfort to the families who have lost so much, but it also gives our communities a sense of togetherness. Together, we have joined to help another fellow American.

We have strong ambition, but we are still a humble, small-town group with a grand vision. As our project has extended from 9/11 victims to our fallen soldiers, we continue to be in need of growing support. So, with hope and determination, we will continue to spread the word of Freedom Quilt's goals, and strive to engage more of our citizens in the mission to comfort our nation's mourning families.