When the Raphael Neighborhood Free Clinic opened in 2002, one of many early volunteers was the late Julia Schlickling, a retired anesthesiologist.  

She was additionally a member of the Be Joyful Bee Quilting group and the group determined to make Raphael Clinic an on-going venture.

“We took it on as a part of our mission to supply quilts to needy individuals in our neighborhood,” mentioned Betty Blackwell, a good friend of Schlickling, and now spokesperson for the quilter group.

“We had 12 members and we dedicated to do two quilts a yr for Raphael Clinic,” Blackwell mentioned, “however later our group disbanded.”

Blackwell then took it upon herself to get the group collectively and get the donation going once more. They started making quilts for infants as much as 12-year-olds who come to the clinic.

“We now have 5 ladies who’ve joined the hassle,” Blackwell mentioned. “We’re very production-oriented. I’m actually happy with the group,” she added.

The women arrived Thursday with a complete of 65 quilts to donate. The quilting guild in Fredericksburg donated 27 quilts they usually obtained about 12 from different sources.

“We’re grateful for the ‘Quilting Women’ and their generosity of time and expertise,” mentioned Albert Vasquez, government director of Raphael Neighborhood Free Clinic. “These quilts will go to our sufferers and their family members as we find out about their wants or scenario.

“The quilts are a logo of affection, compassion, and luxury that have been made by this glorious group of individuals.  We respect Betty Blackwell and her mates for his or her quilting ministry,”  Vasquez added.