Can you remember where you were on Dec. 15, 2021? That was the day the wind storm caused damage in our community and serious wildfires broke out for our neighbors to the north. K-State Research and Extension agents in the affected area sprang into action. They helped set up shelters and coordinated the donations of food and supplies. Sharing links to agencies who could provide hay for animals and other resources was imperative.
In mid-January I received a text message from a friend who quilts asking if those who lost their homes in the Dec. 15 wildfires in Ellis and Russell Counties would appreciate getting a quilt? Just two days earlier our Cottonwood Team members had discussed this at our retreat so the timing was perfect. Several phone calls later, I had a long list of families who had lost their homes.
I spent an afternoon calling the cell phone numbers that had been shared with me. It was an amazing experience to hear the stories of that memorable day. All of the individuals I visited with were so grateful to have survived the fast-moving wildfires. While many animals were lost, they felt so fortunate that their family members had survived. I heard about one person who survived the flames by pulling his truck on top of a limestone rock and the fire literally went over him.
The word resilience comes to mind when I think of the visits with those who lost their homes. Some are temporarily staying in an RV or with extended family. One family’s landlord had a vacant property that he is letting them stay in for six months rent free while they get back on their feet. Their demonstration of faith and their positive attitude really warmed my heart.
The next phone calls were made to a couple of groups of quilters in the Great Bend community. The Cycle Sewing group meets regularly making quilts for times like this. And the Central Kansas Threadbenders quilt guild had several TLC quilts that they were eager to donate. In all 32 quilts were shared with families, including nine kids, ages 2 – 14. I recently organized getting the quilts delivered so that the recipients can feel the caring and love that each quilt can bring. And believe me, the quilts were appreciated!
To bring this project full circle I am looking forward to sharing stories and perhaps a few pictures at their monthly guild meeting next week.
Donna Krug is the Family & Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. Contact her at 620-793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu.
