Quilters donate their work to charity

Sometimes the best way to piece things together is to literally piece them together - and that's what the Wheaton Park District quilting group does for a good cause, recently donating two quilts to Laughs to Remember, a charity event organized to support the Greater Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.

The quilting group was founded in 1996, and though its membership has evolved over its 19 years, the four senior women - three from Wheaton, one from Glen Ellyn - who call themselves quilters are capable of feats seemingly beyond their numbers.

"I think it's pretty amazing that four senior women were able to make and donate 42 quilts this year (so far)," says Linda Dolan, manager of the park district's Leisure Center, where the quilting group meets from 1 to 3 p.m. Fridays. "The youngest quilter is 69 years old."

This year the quilters also donated to Cadence Hospital, Pillars Women's Shelter, Women's Choice and the Ronald McDonald House in Winfield. Since its inception, the group has donated several hundred quilts to local charities and institutions.

"These four (women) this year have come every single Friday, regardless of weather, and they do this very important work," Dolan said.

The important work included Laughs to Remember, an event in its first year, on Saturday, Oct. 24, in Northlake to benefit the Alzheimer's Association.

"If you can't take time out to laugh and enjoy your family day after day - you need to find the joy," said Tammy Smith, Laughs to Remember organizer. "You need to find the laughter and the humor."

The Wheaton Park District quilting group is always accepting new members. To join, call Dolan at (630) 665-1415 or (630) 510-5030.

The group also seeks donations of cotton and other quilting materials, which can be dropped off at the Wheaton Park District Leisure Center in Memorial Park, 208 W. Union Ave., Wheaton.