61 quilts sent out to Fallen Soldiers Families

Well we have had some year with harvest being late winter storm and all. Today we decided before we end up with another winter storm to haul off to Fedex 61 quilts for fallen soldiers families. The quilts had been ready to go for some time but we couldn't because of the weather. God is good he gave us an opening so we can get these quilts out. The car was full and so was the truck of the car but it felt so good to have them sent off. Dennis did the stacking I could never get that many stack in the truck or back seat of the car. Alot of thanks go to the ladies of Oskaloosa who came to my aid when I ask if they could help with the children quilts. We had families where we had to come up with either 2 or as high as eight quilts to a box because of the children. With out the Oskaloosa ladies I wouldn't have been able to get the job done. Now I have to get busy again so I can send another bunch of quilts out to families of our fallen. We are proud to say we are close to 6,700 quilts given out. We will soon be working on our fundraiser yes I got the quilt top all done and Dennis will be machine quilting it. He does an awesome job quilting so he has that job. We still tie quilts but the ones with pictures we machine quilt and if Dennis has time he will quilt those without pictures also but mainly pictures quilts are the ones loves to quilt. Happy New Year everyone. Thanks everyone that have continue to help us out your wonderful.

Cautionary update

Merry Christmas to all and my apologies for not keeping up with the blog. I want to wish everyone a very special, happy holiday season.

I also want to send everyone a cautionary update...
It has recently come to my attention that another quilting group based out of Wisconsin is calling itself "Freedom Quilts". Please know that this Wisconsin-based group is not affiliated with our group Freedom Quilts, Inc. The organizer of this Wisconsin-based group lost her son in Iraq. True to our mission, we reached out to her and made her a personalized quilt in honor of her son. Now, her group appears to be claiming credit for this quilt and is also requesting monetary donations to their "Freedom Quilts" organization.

First of all, please know that "credit" is not important to me or to all the other volunteer quilters with our Freedom Quilts organization. What is most important is that we are able to help the people who need us most... those who need love, comfort, and the knowledge that people care.

Our organization - Freedom Quilts, Inc. - is a federally recognized nonprofit with 501(3)(c) status, and all donations go directly to making quilts for families across the country who have lost a loved one. If you or someone you know would like to support our efforts, please know that we are not the Wisconsin-based organization.

Contact information for our nonprofit, Freedom Quilts, Inc. is listed below.
Freedom Quilts, Inc.
c/o Betty Nielsen
13637 550th St.Fonda, IA 50540
(p) 712-288-5326
website www.freedomquilts.net

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at debeniel@ncn.net.

Freedom Quilts 2009 Ride

Just a couple of pictures of Freedom Quilts Ride the rest of them will be in Facebook

Freedom Quilts 2009 Ride

After the 9-11, 8th anniversary the Legion Riders had a Freedom Quilts Fundraiser Ride. Everyone was invite to come and help out. It started at Marcus Iowa and ended at the Freedom Quilts Shop in Fonda IA where there was door prize and food and a tour of the building and all the thing that Freedom Quilts have done through the years and items received through the years. Freedom Quilts is up to 6,600 quilts these quilts start with the 9-11 families then the flood victims from Katrine and Cedar Rapids to our fallen soldiers. Freedom Quilts try to make sure that each parents of our fallen heroes and spouse receive a quilt to honor their beloved love ones. Our shop is open by appointment since we are not always in the shop. Right now we have to get our crops all in before we can get more quilts made and sent out to fallen soldiers families. Freedom Quilts got a chance to have more great friends. One of those really good friends is Jana who came to help in the ride and became a Freedom Quilter. Gary Emery President of the Souixland Chapter of the Legion Riders and his Vice President Chris Persson along with their wives set the event up in less then month. With the help from Sherry Wells our fundraiser coordinator who went out to get business to help and support us also and in short period of time they got the event going. The event went so well that The Legion Riders plan on doing this event once a year for the Freedom Quilts. American Legion Riders fit so well with Freedom Quilts. They also try to comfort families of our fallen by keeping protester away from families that are dealing with grief during the funeral. It's sad when you have protester come and try to be so disrespectful to these families that have already given so much to this country. These men and women at one time serve their country or had some one in their families serve their country. There is a time and a place to protest but not at a funeral that is totally disrespectful. Freedom Quilts has made new friends and enjoy knowing others care also and want to keep Freedom Quilts going. Freedom Quilts want to thank all those that was a part of the Freedom Quilts Ride and hope that next year we have many more come. One of our many prizes will be a Freedom Quilts Quilt. Next year we plan on having the fundraiser on September 11 the day Freedom Quilts was born the day my life any countless others life change. I'm hoping for many new faces and new friends to come next year we are also hoping that all of us take time to remember that what makes this country so great is that we all gather together to help one another and by doing that we make a huge different in our lives and others we help.

Winner of the 2009 Raffle Quilt

The winner of the 2009 raffle quilt is Lenora Babb from AR. We are getting ready to send Lenora her quilt and when she has time she will send us a picture so we can post it on the blog and on the newspaper. Congratulation Lenora on winner the beautiful quilt.

Caring

My Dear Friends today I realize that I have not blogged for a long time and that shouldn't be. I should try to blog at least once a week but I been a little depressed. My mother is ill and my attention has gone to her and I have left thing slide and for that I'm so sorry. Today I received a beautiful phone call that touch my heart and made me realize that I need to continue doing God work and keep working. The call was from a mother that lost her son in Iraq. As some of you know when I send a quilt out I always send a letter it's just the way I do it. I write from the heart to let the families know that we do care for each of them and I try to always write a special messenge for the families. What comes out of my heart is what I write to the families. This one messenge I wrote was for the parents that lost their son but reaching out to the father. I only know what my heart was crying out to say and so I wrote the letter not know what this poor father was dealing with beside the death of his son. You see he is also in the military and his pain is deep more then anyone can imagine. None of us know what our soldiers go through to survive it is something that they keep bottle inside which eats at them. These are good men doing what needs to get done and then living with what happen in a country that life means nothing to them. He deals with what happen in Iraq and he deals with the lost of his son how much more can he deal with. Where is the help to bring him peace of mind? When we say we support our troops are they just words or do you really support our troops? My hearts goes out to these families for their pain will never go away. They live day by day trying to deal with all the pain and hurt all that is thrown at them and hoping that maybe one day they will be able to cope better. Those that reach out to God for help seem to get the strength they need to continue even with their broken hearts but they know they must for the sake of others. When a parent loses a child it's hard for we all know men want to fix things but how can he when his heart is broken also. How can he comfort his wife when he is hurting also. The pain is so deep for both of them. We as women reach out and hope someone will listen. It's not that we are looking for answer for we know God is the one with answers we just want someone to listen and not turn their back on you. The words "we understand what you are going through " is hurtful for those that lost a love one. No one really understands unless they walk those shoes. To hear the words in time you will heal or you need to move on are all hurtful words. Yes we mean well but it's not helpful. If we can't say anything just wrap your arms around them and let them know you are there for them. Time does not heal that broken heart that the parent are dealing with time only gives them a better way of hiding their true hurt feeling.

I also received an email from the grandmother that was helping raise her granddaughter. She email to tell me that her granddaughter received the quilt I sent her. The granddaughter read the letter I wrote her and sat silent for quite a while. It was a good quiet. She snuggled with the quilt for a while then told her grandmother she wanted to put it away so it didn’t get any dirt on it. She wrote I know it sound silly to have a material item to hold on to make you feel better but believe me I have seen it work. This is absolutely a beautiful quilt that she will cherish forever. All sign to me that I need to continue I need to not stop for many need to know we do care many need to be able to reach out and know someone will listen and care. For those of you that continue to help me I thank you from the heart for you are making it possible for me to continue to comfort the families’ thank you and God blesses. Your friend always Betty

In Memory of Beverly Eckert

When I started this project I was asked if I ever lost a love one on 9-11, Katrina Flood, Cedar Rapids flood or fallen soldiers and my answer would always be no it's just I need to do God work and help those that mourn the lost of a love one. It was a need to reach out and help others. Now I can't say that because Continental Flt 3407 I did lose someone I lost a great friend and if ever there was a reason to continue this project Beverly would be the reason to.

Beverly as you know was a loving beautiful lady with so much love and grace. Where ever she went she made a difference. We meet Beverly at one of our trip to CT when we were bringing quilts to 9-11 victim families. In fact it was Feb of 2003. She of course received a quilt along with getting one for her loving mother in law. Her pain for her beloved husband was fresh as if it was yesterday that it happened.

She was so kind and generous that she invited us to come and stay with her while we were there giving out quilts. She laughed and told us that she wasn't much of a cook so she took us out to eat. She was proud of her beautiful house because it was what her and Sean work hard to make it look as beautiful as it was. The kitchen was well designed and she showed us what Sean had done and that he couldn't finish it because he was taken from her, so she had to hire someone to finish the kitchen cabinets.

Beverly had a heart of gold. She cared about everyone and she used that pain to help others. Sean was her life and when we were there you could see it in her eyes. That pain could not be hidden at least not by me when I would look into those beautiful eyes. She could have a smile in her face but her eyes told me she was in pain. She did get to open up and talk to my husband Dennis and me. She told us what happened that day, the day that devastated her. The tears rolled down as she talked about that day, and you could not help but cry along with her. People talk about their soul mates, but I know for sure that Sean and Beverly were truly soul mates. They knew what the true meaning of love was all about.

We kept in touch after that, and I was so proud of her for all she was doing and how strong she was but I know it was God holding her and keeping her strong. She wanted to help others. She wanted Sean’s death to mean something in life. She didn't want him to be forgotten. It is so painful when people move on and forget the pain of others. She didn't want that to happen, so she worked hard at making sure it didn't happen. I know the strength and courage she got was from all the pain she was carrying with her. By helping others she knew she was making this world a better place.

To Beverly’s parents I have to say you did an awesome job with her. She made a difference with everyone she was around. She was not afraid to stand up and do what was right. She spoke for those families who couldn't. She was their voice. She touched so many people and made a huge impact in everyone’s lives. I know she did with us in the short period of time that we got to know her. I will forever miss her emails, for she let me know that what I was doing for others matter and she was proud of what we were doing to take time out of our lives to think of others and comfort others, something she did all the time.

Her pain is gone for she is with Sean now, but ours is not. We lost someone great, someone kind hearted, but I know she is with Sean and that gives me some kind of peace knowing this great lady will not suffer anymore. Her memory will live on and so will all the good she has done. I know I for one keep her dear to my heart. She taught so many of us that we need to stand up for what is right. She was a dear friend, a person that made a difference in life. Now, if we all follow her footstep, we will make this a better place to live in.

To visit Beverly’s remembering, go to www.RememberingBeverly.com
Please take time to reach out to others and make a difference.

2009 Quilt Raffle

We are getting ready for our yearly quilt raffle. This year I must say we really went all out. I can't wait for the quilt to be finish so you can see what I mean. I hope you all join in and help with this fund raiser so we can continue making quilts for the families of our fallen soldiers. Keep checking in and see what we have line up.

This year 2009 Supporters

Without our supporter Freedom Quilts would not be able to continue this project to comfort those that need us to. It is all these wonderful people that have stood by our side and said yes we want to help we want to make a different and different they sure have. God bless you all for helping out and giving me the strength to carry on a project that has touch so many people all over the world. I wouldn't be able to do that if it wasn't for these great groups of awesome people.

Monica, Wellendorf,
Virginia, Degen
Roger, Frimml
Elizabeth, Wright
Shelby County Board Catholic School
Casey’s General Store
Downey, Family
Rob, Wells
Rodney, Amlie
Betty, Johnson
William, Halder
Monona County Extension
Mapleton Major 4-H Club
Robert, Haack
Bob, Harison
Mary, Proffitt
Lorraine, Roorda
Marilyn, Lesan
Rose, Kreft
Don, Beneke
Hamilton, Law Firm
Laura, Andrews
Gretchen, Woodin
Stanley, Jespersen,
Arnold, Berglund
JoAnn, Daters,
Marjorie, Buntz
Darla, Pearce
Elaine, Harden
Ruth, Naberhaus
Tracy, Irwin Inspired by Time Quilts)
Marlene, Beadle
Vivian, Hickman
Vicky, Schroeder
Carolyn, Snyder
Frank, Escue Auction
V.F.W., Post 9662 Aux Des Moines
Kathy, Veit
Storm Lake Cycles, Inc
Patricia, Archer
Marilyn, Block
Christine, Morrison
Barry, Erickson
Kay, Grondahl,
Virginia, Harscher
American, National Bank
Elaine, Mackey
Lori, Wells
Judy, Beitenwerf
Ellen, Schatzke
Barbara, Meeks
F.R., Ruliffson
Mrs. James, Prichard
Linda, Eichelberger
Dan, Connell
Sharon, Mickelson
Dorothea, Kultala
Ann, Thomas
Gretchen, Johnson
Marian, Ballard
Curt, Manatt
Iowa State, Bank
Taylor, contracting Company
Faye, Hogan
Brian, Beach
Ted, Shold
Judith, Kollasch
Linda, Baum
Barbara, Artist
Bargloff,& Company
Irene, Porter
Dennis, Walter
, Coletta, Ammann
Geraldine, Barber
Donna, Buckmiller
Margaret, Zimmer
Carol, Larsen
Mary Ann, Sandvold
Tempest Kuykendall
Helen, Kinkade
Citizens State, Bank
Amy, McCarron
Brad and Maureen Struder
Mrs. marcella Petersen
Kay Kordik
Mrs. Lois Crouch
Ms. Calista Hammes
AMVETS Club in Storm Lake
Phillis R. Helsing
Lavon Mason and the Quilting friends from Fort Dodge
Oliva SmithMrs. Elva Doorenbos
Mrs. Kenneth King
Kay Rosacker
Frances Bean
Iris and Jay Rothberg
Angie Podraza
Mr. Harold Fynaardt
Ms. Debra Haak
Charles Larson
Barbara Hustan and the quilters of St Charles
Marlene Nielsen
Sarah Gittins
Mrs. Jean Meier
UCC of Fonda
Michaela M. Cullen
Jean Galleger
Sandra Terwilleger
C&S Repair
Dr. DD Stierwalt
Audrey Levin
John Kopriva
Norm Nieland
Barb Wadle
Elbert
Jan VanOss
Betty Scott
Angie Pracka
Robert Moritz
Barbara Kohles and the Portsmouth Quilters
Susan Moss
Perry Law Office
Violet Berkland
Millie Meyer
Cletus Brincks
Judy Herrin
Carolyn Shook
Dott Barney
Hazel Glaze
Betty Bardole
Robin Olberding
Linda Dawe
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 232 Polk City
Susan Grieme
Judy Birzer
Wanda Helmkamp
Debra Majeres
Kimberly Ceilley
Marlowe Feldman
Phyllis Scherier
Jane Pollicino
Judy Tapper
Elizabeth Mattson
Bernadette McHugh
Maryanne Farrell
Deborah Adams
Dorothy Scales
Linda Clennens
Scharingson Farm
Mylissa Kimmell
Deborah Lasko
Ruth Fangman
Barbara and Robert Jackson
Nancy Niedermeyer
Doug Cook
Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative
Janet Dunstan
Kenneth Cortner
Frank Reigelsberger
Margaret Arce
Nancy Yambem
Cynthia Pederson
Jane Wallestad
Beverly Carlson
Eileen Lundeen
Catherine NG-Pepe
Diane Taormina
Debra Cleary
Joan E. Tino
Joyce Shriner
Jean Colby
Woven Hearts Quilt Guild
Eleanor Gillette
First Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek, IA
Jane McGowan
Gloria Ingrassia
Suzanne Johnson
Mary Ellen Nilson
American Legion uxiliary Clare IA
TOP VA
Alice Henry
Diane Miller
Knights Of Columbus Fort Dodge
Richard E. Tesdahl
Katherine L. Safris
Dennis Renquist
Liz Wright
Arlene Tipping
Mark Egli
Mary Dowd
Diane Johnson
Mary Mason
James Coyle
Yvonne Victoria
Linda Boeckenhauer
Marilynn J. Collis
Nancy Garzke
Genevieve Langmaid
Mark and Irma McVicker
St Mary Knights of Columbus Storm Lake
CDof A Court St Joseph
Mary Brown
Karne JOnes
Winona L. Chrisman
Lillian D. Champion
Dorothy Ihnen
J. Marguarde
Darlene Mann
Cheryl A. Smith
Fort Dodge Asphalt Co.
Marie J. Sandre
Teddie A. SaylesIrene M. Mobley
IA Alpha Gamma Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa
Dorlores Caproni
Christian Women Fellowship Cuthrie Center
Joy Momsen
Arlene Carlson
Mary Nyren
Nancy Dop
Women Baptist Missionary Society Lake City
Farm and Home Pocahontas
Lois Power
Evening Club
Macel Brower
Jeanne Gilmore
RuthEllen Reed
Rev Mark Duchaine
Margaret Arce
Barbara Deyarmin (The Deyarmin Foundation)
Howard I Smith
Jean Hoesing
D, Alig
Trudy WArd
Michael Korsonsky
Joan DeMeo
Sally Peterson
Alice Pena
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Gladys A. Eddie
Linda Madsen
Knights of Columbus Pocahontas
Sac County American Legion
Evelyn Bittner
American Legion Auxiliary Rockwell City
Sandra L. Meo
Darlene M. Wittrock
St. Olaf Lutheran Church
Leland L. Huss
Bob and Peg Johnson
Dorothy Ihnen
Judy Steffen
Mary Mohr
Betty Westmoreland
Alpha Delta Kappa Iowa Alpha Kappa Cherokee
Margaret Johnson
Calvary Lutheran Womens League
Katherine Dillaber
Myra Christopher
Sacred Heart Catholic Church Livermore
Prudential Foundation Matching Gifts
Kathleen Lancaster
Hardy Trinity Lutheran Church
American National Bank
Storm Lake Rotary Club
Trinity Lutheran Church Odebolt
John Phillips
Silks and Things Cheryl Delp
Sheila Johnson
Sherry Campbell
Cynthia Fortenberry
Linda Madsen
Alan Feistner
Denise Eckerman
Augustana Women of the ELCA Manson
Theresa Mullan
Betty Pollema
Barbara Blass
Varina American Legion Aux
Shirley Clark American Legion Aux Lake City
Sue Nordgren
Laurie Paterson
Debbie Newhouse
Ellen Streit
St Peter and Paul Catholic Ladies Aid
Dorothy King
Khampan Nachampassak
Mary Kirk
Leonor Shahid
Judy Kollasch
Merlin Fort
Marilyn Nielsen
Barbara Hays
Roger Marti
Sandra Meyer
Cheryl Peterson
Helen Rowens
Adrienne Johnson
Linda Cavalier
Carole Zion
Ekizabeth Rusher
Christine Connors
Lori Hill
John Sandman
Patrick Stark
Pat Essing
Andrea Ouida
Haleema Salie
Leann Ripke
Marie Nelson
Arlene Sampson
Marie Nesheim
Marlen Lund
Lady Lutheran Women Goldfield
Tammy Vorland
Marie Wells
Lois M Dobson
Ann Peterson Trust
Veronica Timmerman
Roberta Paquin
Jane Weber
Caryl Derkes
United Methodist Church in Alta
Ione Edwards
Terex Corporation
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ohrlund
Marlen Lund
Arlene Sampson
Marie Neshein
Lake Lutheran in Goldfield
Thresia Tunink
Diane Keating
Juanita Oswald
Carola Storla
Judy Weller
Manson Mennonite Church
Antoinette Maiorini
Wal-Mart
Linda cody Alpha Chapter
Joan Killmorgen
Pocahontas Catholic School
Bonnie Keisweller
Jolene Doulgas
Sharon Hodges
Shirley Mohowitsch
Joyce Radke
Lenora Babb
Francis Henderson
Mary Ann Sweeney
Sarah C. Te Slaa
Alice Sheldon
Russell Montgomery
Jan Hedberg
Shelly Anderson
Vicki Fisher
Jamice Woehl
Beverly Mooney
Norma Hecht
Darlene Kolbe
Susan Lewman
United Methodist Church
Marilyn Wilhelm
Shirley Staton
Allan Wenell
Lisa Shull
Beulah Imming
Robin Hansen
Storm Lake Kiwanis Club
Ruth M. Buboltz
Laura R. Lipski

Happy New Years

Happy New Year my dear friends this year we plan on working on raffling another quilt. I have the quilt top all done just need to have it quilted and that will come in time. I promise to have it posted as soon as we get it done. Freedom Quilters had their Christmas party and enjoy celebrating on of our wonderful friends and quilter birthday party. She was surprise and we were excited to surprise her. So I would like to wish you all a wonderful New Year and thank all those that have supported us through the years thank you and God bless.