For the love of quilts and kids

Crafting is something that comes easy to De Soto resident Brenda Goad. She started sewing in high school and has made hundreds of blankets, pillows and garments throughout her life.

After being involved in social work for more than 20 years, Goad finally decided to put her craft to good use by starting the Jefferson and St. Francois County Chapter of Binky Patrol, a national non-profit organization that donates blankets to hospitals, shelters and foster care agencies.

“I have always had a heart for kids and those in foster care,” Goad said. “I wanted to help and get involved and give these blankets to the people who really need them, especially children.”

Last January, Goad established the local chapter of Binky Patrol, called “Wee Care Kiddie Kovers.” But before she joined the organization, she donated blankets for more than a year to the Jefferson County Children’s Division.

“I saw the Binky Patrol website, and was really impressed by what they were doing and how far the organization reached out,” Goad said. “I saw there wasn’t a Missouri chapter of Binky Patrol, and the president of the company e-mailed me, asking if I would be interested in coordinating one.”

Over the last three months, five volunteers have joined “Wee Care Kiddie Kovers.” They have been assembling crocheted, quilted and sewn blankets, in addition to stocking caps, for children who need comfort. Members of “Wee Care Kiddie Kovers” have also given their creations to new moms.

So far, “Wee Care Kiddie Covers” has donated more than 50 pieces.

“There is a huge need for these blankets,” Goad said. “A lot goes on in the world, but there is also a lot going on in our own counties so it’s important to help those who really need it. There are so many people who need comfort and love, and we can help by giving them a blanket.”

Goad said she hopes more people in the area will get involved with the chapter because she knows that there are people out there who make and donate quilts, but are probably not familiar with the organization.

“Our chapter is fairly new, and I don’t think a lot of people know about it,” Goad said. “I know there are people out there like me who really care about those in need and love to sew, but hopefully if we get enough people to join the cause we can spread out and maybe even start another chapter to help more people.”

Binky Patrol is a non-profit organization with more than 100 chapters and 10,000 volunteers nationwide. For more than 14 years, the organization has been distributing homemade blankets to children ages 0-18 who are abused, in foster care, experiencing trauma or have a chronic or terminal illness.

Each “binky” donated serves as a reminder to its recipient that someone cares and loves them.

The organization got its name because a “binky” is a homemade blanket that provides comfort. Binkies can be sewn, knitted, crocheted or quilted and range in size.

Brittney French is a reporter for the Daily Journal and can be reached at 573-431-2010, ext. 114, or at bfrench@dailyjournalonline.com