In the little town of Waverly, Iowa at the tiny church of First Baptist, members have joined together to make blankets for the local hospital. Ashley Shipp, the coordinator, began Blanket Blessings Waverly after losing her mother last summer.
“My mom received a crocheted blanket and I received a prayer shawl. I was amazed someone would spend all that time making them and then donate them to someone they didn’t know,” Shipp said.
That following Christmas, after finding her mothers crochet book and materials, Shipp taught herself to crochet. She found that she loved it and began looking for an organization that she could help.
The Beginning
“I found the Waverly Hospital needed blankets. They give them to babies that are born there, children who have surgery, and anyone who would benefit from one.” After speaking with the volunteer coordinator at the hospital, where they have a huge need for blankets right now, Shipp decided she would put a group together to make blankets. Her motivation was her mother.
She spoke with the outreach at her church, First Baptist Church, and was able to get the word out. Soon donations for and of materials were coming in. The group is made up of 10-15 ladies. Shipp says the group is open to anyone who wants to help. She says that “all skill levels are welcome and if you want to learn, we’ll teach you.” Her hope is that people in the group will invite someone they know who maybe are not saved and could use that kind of fellowship. Even if they don’t go to church, she hopes to build those relationships and make them want to come to church.
Donations
If you don’t feel that you are very crafty you can certainly donate materials like yarn and fabrics. The group could also use financial support to purchase fleece and batting. If you’d like to help out by donating or you’re for more information, you can contact Ashley Shipp at the email [email protected] or you can contact the church.
Since June, Blanket Blessings Waverly has donated 80 blankets to the local hospital, and 3 quilts to Cedar Valley Friends of the Family. Shipp said that knowing someone cares about you could be a comfort and help you get through the hard times, and make something that is traumatic slightly less traumatic.
“God has totally provided every step of the way,” Shipp said, “I don’t know what the future holds. I never envisioned that God would take me finding my moms crochet book and turn it into a ministry through church and the hospital.”