St. Stephen's volunteers sew “Ugly Quilts” for the homeless

Warwick - Sometime after midnight on Saturday, March 4, a homeless person in New York City will be handed an “Ugly Quilt” sewn by volunteers from St. Stephen’s - St. Edward’s Parish in Warwick. Of course, the person who receives the quilt will not think of it as ugly. It will serve as a warm sleeping bag and it could save his or her life. Folded inside the quilt, a “Prayer for Hope” will state: “Revive within me the desire to live.” At the end of the full prayer, someone will hopefully read a note that says: “I said a prayer for you today. Love, a friend.” On Friday, March 3, members of God’s TYM (Teen Youth Ministry), an organization of Catholic young people sponsored by the Church of St. Stephen the First Martyr, will go on its annual “Midnight Run” to New York City. Every year “Midnight Run” volunteers from churches, synagogues, schools and other civic groups distribute food, clothing, blankets and personal care items to the homeless poor on the streets of New York City. According to the organization’s Web site, “The late-night relief efforts create a forum for trust, sharing, understanding and affection. That human exchange, rather than the exchange of goods, is the essence of the Midnight Run mission.” This year, to support the annual “Midnight Run,” the St. Stephen’s Religious Education Program and God’s TYM revived a tradition by sponsoring an all day quilting bee in the St. Stephen’s - St. Edward’s school gym. The event, held on Saturday, Feb. 11, was billed as “Ugly Quilts” for the Homeless and attracted about 50 volunteers of all ages, skilled and unskilled, who came to do their part for the upcoming Midnight Run. “This is a wonderful parish project,” said Religious Education Program Coordinator Lydia van Duynhoven, “And as you can see, our volunteers range from young children to senior citizens. It’s a multi generation event.” She explained that an ugly quilt is really a sleeping bag made from scraps, old clothes, bedspreads and any spare material. In some cases, generous donors provided large bolts of cloth, which made the job of the sewers much easier. “It is an inexpensive way to make a difference in a homeless person’s life,” van Duynhoven said. After each quilt was assembled, the prayer was read aloud and then placed on the center of the quilt before it was rolled and tied. Since almost all of the homeless people are men, besides quilts, the Midnight Run volunteers are asking for donations of serviceable men’s coats, sweaters, sweatshirts, sweatpants and shoes. They could also use new underwear, warm hats, socks and gloves. Items may be dropped off at St. Stephen’s Church, 75 Sanfordville Road, until Sunday, Feb. 26. For additional information call van Duynhoven at 986-2231.