PUBLIC MINISTRY

August 27, 2020

About Crazy Quilt

The Crazy Quilt Friendship Center serves low-income families in the Newcomb and Jellico areas and is open weekly on T/W/TR. Services include a food pantry; emergency assistance program; and community programs for children. The Mountain Arts Program (M.A.P.) provides a creative learning outlet during the summer for children ages 5 to 15 to learn about Appalachian storytelling, arts, and crafts. The four-day program includes a nutritious lunch and snacks each day; and each child receives needed shoes, clothing, and classroom supplies for the coming school year. The annual Christmas party provides 400-600 area children, ages newborn to 15, with a visit from Santa, a new toy, and a treat bag -- often the only Christmas gifts these children will receive.

In His Own Words – Ed Bryant, Program Leader

“The reason I like doing what I do is that we are helping the community -- we are helping people in need. I served as a volunteer for about 20 years before I was hired on staff. Seeing the kids’ faces at Christmas when they get to sit on Santa Clause’s knee, and then, when they see all the toys that volunteers have provided is just wonderful! It is really nice to see the kids playing with each other in our summer program, too. That is four days during the summer where they can just be kids, really enjoy themselves, and know that each day they will have a good lunch and snacks. They always have a smile. We sure do appreciate everyone’s support and donations!”

Your Gift in Action

Melissa lives in a household with her daughter, son-in-law, and two-year-old grandson. Both Melissa and her daughter work for an automotive casting company and were laid off due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Crazy Quilt has been able to provide food boxes and a gift card to the local dollar store to get them by. Melissa is always very thankful for the support, and was in tears over being able to obtain a $25 gift card during her last trip to Crazy Quilt. Melissa stated she “would not know what to do” without the help and compassion from Crazy Quilt. Fred has been out of work since early February. As an independent truck driver he is not eligible for unemployment benefits. This has had a detrimental impact on Fred’s ability to feed his family, and Crazy Quilt’s generosity has helped to provide food and support. They could not be more thankful during this extraordinarily difficult time. Because of you, this past year Crazy Quilt served 418 individuals providing 300 food boxes that sustained a family of four for two weeks. Your gift also served those individuals who came by just to receive food for the day, or, who sought assistance with utilities to keep the lights on. In-kind donations always welcome! Please contact Ed Bryant, ed@ccetn.org