From a conversation with Ernalee Munday, area coordinator:
Q: What does the patrol do, hand out pacifiers?
A: The organization was started in 1996 when a woman named Susan Roush, whose Laguna Beach, Calif., art gallery wasn’t paying the bills. She remembered her mother’s advice: If you’re feeling down, focus on helping others. She and some friends began making quilts for children and teens in need.
Q: How did you get involved?
A: After having run a day care for 25 years, I retired and needed something to do. I contacted a gal in Everett who had started a Binky Patrol chapter. When she moved away, I took over.
Q: How many people in your group are making quilts and afghans for kids?
A: Our membership has fluctuated. Right now we have about 10 members. We meet the first Sunday of the month in Marysville. Anyone interested in joining is welcome to call 360-659-7198. We’ll show you how to make a quilt. It’s not complicated.
Q: Is there a big need for blankets for kids?
A: There’s huge need right now. We just can’t sew fast enough to keep up. We sew for DSHS clients in Arlington, for families who go to the Volunteers of America food bank, for newborns served by the Snohomish County Health District, for boys in group homes, Camano Island Health Care Center, Children’s Hospital in Seattle, Skagit Community Action Agency and many others.
Q: How can the people who don’t sew help out?
A: We need donations of fabric, batting, thread or money to purchase sewing supplies.
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