Thursday, July 31, 2014


This is Audrey and she is one of our unseen heroes and has been going through some pretty aggressive treatment for cancer.  Here is what her niece had to say:

'My aunt, Audrey, received a beautiful unexpected gift this afternoon from Layers of Hope - Quilting 911! She's a dispatcher in California and had surgery this past month to remove a brain tumor. She is about to start six weeks of radiation in Houston, TX, followed by a year of chemotherapy. It was so touching to receive this wonderful gift! Thank you to everyone involved in this loving organization.'

Here is Audrey's story:
Redwood City (CA) Dispatcher in Need of Support
This is a shameless request for help for one of our dispatchers Audrey Scott.  Audrey is a 19-Year Veteran dispatcher, tactical dispatcher, communications training officer, POST instructor – loves being a dispatcher J (supervisor’s dream employee)
In June, Audrey underwent significant brain surgery to remove a tumor from the front left lobe area…  unfortunately the test results came back “grade 3” brain cancer.
Her family is back in Texas and she will be going to Dallas immediately to stay in what was supposed to be her “retirement” home and travel back and forth to Houston to the MD Anderson Cancer Center for heavy doses of both chemo and radiation.  She will have to stay in hotels weekly during the 3 to 6 months of her treatment because the drive is about 4 hours.
We were devastated to hear the latest news on Audrey but kicked into gear to try and help her with her unexpected medical expenses and travel & hotel costs while she fights to beat this dreadful disease.
We launched a Gofundme account and t shirt fundraiser (black t shirt, great to wear under uniforms) to help her with extra costs involved.  The response has been amazing!  A true testament to the Audrey we know and love.  She is ALWAYS the first in line to help someone in need.
Here are the links if you can help or forward – we would so appreciate it!
Click here to read Audrey’s story: http://www.gofundme.com/AudreyStrong
Click here to purchase a t-shirt: http://www.booster.com/audreystrong
Thanks for your time,
Jackie Pace
Communications Manager

We at Layers of Hope - Quilting 911 are saying prayers for this amazing unseen hero and if you would like to send her a letter or card of encouragement please send to and make sure she knows you are part of Layers of Hope - Quilting 911:
Audrey Scott
3625 high road
Flower mound, TX
75022

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Long Arm Quilters Needed in Washington

I am looking for some long arm quilters in Washington around the Marysville, Bellingham, Mount Vernon, Seattle areas. I have several quilters that make amazing quilts and need to have them quilted.

I also need a long arm quilter in the Vancouver, WA/Portland, OR area that has a long arm and can do a few quilts a year for us.

I need these to be done without charge and I understand I am asking a huge favor, but Layers of Hope or the quilters will provide the batting and backing and thread, I just need someone who can long arm.

If this sounds like something you would be willing to do, please let me know as many of our quilters pay out of their own pockets to have this done.

Marilyn, I know you would if I have those in California that need help and I have you on speed dial....HAHAHA!!

Please let me know if you could donate your long arm talents once in awhile!

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Please Help Us Help These Families in Need

http://q13fox.com/2014/07/26/300-homes-lost-in-carlton-complex-fire-now-59-contained-interactive-map/

We need quilts now to pass out to these families and first responders who have lost their homes in the Washington state fires, areas like Pateros, Twisp-Winthrop, Leavenworth and more. 

Families need some love and comfort, won't you please help us get quilts to them?

Jean Kester
18740 Ivan Street SW
Rochester, WA  98579


Saturday, July 26, 2014

First Quilts to Come in For Washington Wildfire First Responders and Families

Eight quilts came in yesterday from a local Washington resident who made each and every one of them.  Thank you so much Jane O. for your amazing contribution.








 These will head over to the central and eastern part of Washington when we gather enough to take to Okanogan County, Twisp-Winthorp, Pateros and Brewster, Washington.

Please when you send quilts, remember most of these will go to adults and we really need adult sized quilts.

Blessings and many thanks to Jane!

Friday, July 25, 2014

Please Help Spread the Word, Quilts for Washington Wildfires Are Needed

I can't do this alone, I need your help and I know I have followers who do not post comments, but the families of the Washington Wildfires need our quilts and our prayers.

There are towns such as Twisp-Winthorp, Pateros and even Leavenworth that have been evacuated and the families let back in in some of the areas.

Sadly, over 100 homes and more are gone. A retired law enforcement officer had a heart attack and died while trying to protect his home from the fire.

Okanogan county is one of the poorest counties in the state of Washington and many of the families now have absolutely no place to go and it isn't like they can just check into a motel down the street.

Washington winters on this side of our state can be brutally cold, these families need quilts to let them know we care, we are here for them, we are praying for them.

The town of Brewster had to evacuate their hospital and send patients elsewhere as a precaution and where there was once farms and fields there is now black that stretches for miles.

First responders that I will never meet, have come in via National Guard, Wildland Fire fighters and more and the local first responders will need our help.

Please, last time a disaster in our state hit us like this, you provided over 500 quilts and this time we need more.  If you can't send a quilt right now, please help us spread the word via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, your blog or just word of mouth.

We are quilters and we all know quilters. I know some you don't know and you know quilters that I don't know, so lets get this party started and help the people of Washington by showing them the world cares.

I have also had a request for postage by one of my regular contributors who quilts but doesn't have the extra for postage. If you can help her, let me know and I will give you her address so you can send her a check to pay for the postage.

My address is:
Jean Kester
18740 Ivan Street SW
Rochester, WA  98579

Thank you all of you!

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Latest Update From Washington Wildfires

This information came to me from someone that lives in the area and is doing my work for me in getting information. Please understand we have a dire need for new quilts but no baby quilts right now.

'OK, I visited the fire station in Leavenworth today, Chelan County Fire District 3, and here is the information they gave me. Chelan County District 3, 4, and 9 are involved in the Chiwaukum Creek/Leavenworth area fire fighting, in addition to numerous others from Kennewick, Vashon Island, Seattle, Monroe, the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Natural Resourses and State Mobilization. Also there are 110 National Guardsmen here, with an additional 220 Guardsmen currently in training to be dispatched here. Personally, I have also seen crews from Oregon and Montana. It appears there are too many to mention. The staff I spoke with in Leavenworth said that Pateros is in dire need of generosity and donations of all kinds. They (Pateros) have two law enforcement officers that lost their homes in the fire.'

The address to mail them to is:
Jean Kester
18740 Ivan Street SW
Rochester, WA  98579 

Monday, July 21, 2014

Quilt Drop Off Points In Washington

If you live in Washington state on the coastal side, you can drop off quilts to the following shops for Wildfire victims:

Town Square Fabric and Yarn in Burien and while you are there, make sure you purchase some of their amazing fabric and yarns and sign up for a class, these ladies are amazing!
Town Square Fabric & Yarn | 445 SW 152nd St Ste. 100, Burien, WA 98166 | (206) 246-9276

You can also head over to their blog and check them out and grab their button and post to your blog, Christina and Cynthia are so wonderful!  http://townsquarefabric.com/

You can always mail quilts to me at:
Jean Kester 18740 Ivan Street SW Rochester, WA  98579

In Centralia, you can drop off at Quilters Junction and they are located at 404 S. Tower #4 Centralia. The same building as Dibbles and tell them you are dropping off for Layers of Hope!  You can call them at 360-807-1255.

In Chehalis, drop off at Sister's Fabric Shop at 476 N. Market and let Jody or Bobbi know it is for me, they have my number. You can also call them at 360-747-9847.  

Please when you drop off consider making a purchase at these locally owned shops and help support them as they continue to support their community!

Also remember if you don't quilt, knit or crochet, blog about this, pass on the information and get the word out for us!

I am only one person, but together we are a force to be reckoned with!

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Quilts Needed for Washington Wildfire Families

It is to early to tell how many are needed, the emergency crews are working around the clock battling dry conditions, winds and fires in several areas right now and doing all they can to save homes, lives and towns.

The counts of how many homes are totally gone are unknown at this time but initial information is around 40 so far but know there will be more as time and the fires rage on. But hope is not gone and we can give this community back hope.

Here are some questions I can answer as to what we are in need of:

  1. Quilts from twin size to double bed size, must be handmade/machine made, any color, any pattern. Sizes should be at least:
    1. Twin Size 68 x 86
    2. Full Size 78 x 86
    3. Queen Size or larger
We want them to cover for adults at least someone who is 6' tall for length.**They can be quilted, crocheted or knitted, they must be handmade, no store quilts!**
  1. Updated today 5/17/2015, we still have a need for approximately 90 quilts to complete getting a quilt to every first responder.
  2. Can we send them to the cities in the line of fire? If you have a guild that would like to send 10 or so quilts to a department in need, please let me know and I will send you an address. These must be adult sized!
  3. Do I have to send more than one quilt?At this time, we have mailed quilts off, personally delivered quilts and we need groups of quilts to complete our commitment.
  4. Are you non-profit? No.
  5. Can I help in other ways? Yes, right now you can send wide backing fabric, enough fabric to back a quilt, or postage for those that want to make quilts but cannot afford to send then is needed. **Checks must be made out to me directly, Jean Kester. I am still not set up with a business bank account.**
  6. How can I donate quilts?  Where do I send them to?  When they are ready to be mailed, send them to: Jean Kester 18740 Ivan Street SW Rochester, WA  98579.
  7. How can I donate postage? You can donate through the donation buttons on the right side of the blog or you can send a money order to the person in need after they have shown me proof of mailing or send me a check.
  8. How do I know you aren't keeping these for yourself or to sell? Because I would have no reason to keep over 300 quilts and I can assure you the quilts we say we sent have been sent! You can contact Arlington, Wa PD and ask them if they received quilts or Arlington Fire or Oso Fire.
  9. I can't quilt, knit, crochet or send money, can I still help? You can let others know about this, you can pray and you can send cards and letters of encouragement.
  10. Instagram this, tweet it, blog about it, facebook about it, just get the word out! 

Friday, July 18, 2014

Washington Wild Fires

This from our local news agency and officials in the area of the fires:
#‎IMPORTANT‬ **PLEASE SHARE**
STAY AWAY from OKANOGAN COUNTY

The Winthrop Police Chief asked us to share this warning. They have no power, limited phone service and gasoline. They are in a state of emergency. Lake Pearrygin State Park is already evacuated. This warning applies to surrounding areas: Pateros, Brewster and Malott also evacuated. Do not visit. Evacuate if you can. http://kng5.tv/1mXzNyU ‪#‎WAwildfire‬

Let's not forget we need to get quilts into this area!

Quilts Needed for Washington Fire Victims

I will once again be collecting quilts for distribution in a large scale. This time they will be for those who lost their homes in the huge fires that are burning in Washington state at this time.

Fifteen to twenty homes have burned in Pateros and another 20 in the Twisp-Winthrop area are gone as well.  I have been told the county has a population of around 40,000 and it is unknown at this time how many people have lost their homes that live outside these towns.

If you would like to read more about these fires, please check out this link:
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/07/18/washington-wildfires-prompt-evacuation-order-for-pateros/ 

Just like last time you can mail them to me at:

Jean Kester
18740 Ivan Street SW
Rochester, WA  98579

I have not set a deadline for these quilts as I have not even contacted anyone in these areas and will not do so until the fires have been put out and I have gotten more numbers that may be needed.

Please, we do NOT at this time need infant or baby quilts as I still have those on the shelves from last time.  We need men's quilts as well as women's quilts.

Please follow these guidelines for sending items to me:
1- Handmade quilts only, no store purchased blankets.

2- NO CLOTHING!  I am NOT set up to store boxes of clothing and will donate any clothing that comes in to my local clothing bank and homeless shelter.

3- If you want to send handmade hats or gloves that would be fine, but I am not taking pants, coats, etc.  There are other agencies that can do this and have the storage to do so.

4-I received around 5 very nice handmade quilts last time, I could not donate them as they had been stained in some spots and others were torn. * Please, if you feel you want to donate that quilt that grandma made, make sure it is in new condition, no rips, stains or smells.*

5- These people just lost their homes and everything in it. I will say this each time, they do not need or want your trash, nor do I want it or want to have to dispose of it.  If it is something you wouldn't use yourself, please don't send it to those who lost everything.

6-Please send quilts that are at least twin sized or larger. I know it is asking a lot but most adults going through this need to wrap up under a quilt and just feel the love and warmth that you sent them.

7. Do not think you can't make a difference. I am still hearing from those that received quilts and how happy they are and thankful for the love you sent to Oso.

As always, if you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to ask me.

 

Sunday, July 6, 2014

I Need Your Help, Please!

Some of you may be offended by this request and if you are please know I do not mean to offend anyone, but my family needs help.

As you may or may not be aware of, my husband and I are raising 3 grandchildren ages 11, 12 & 13, they have another sibling who is 9 and who we have prayed for many years to be joined with all of them as siblings should be.

I just received a telephone call from their mom, she is getting all the paperwork ready to send her up here, however, she wants her up here by Saturday, July 12th and as you all know, short notice flights are out of this world.

If anyone has any frequent flier miles they could donate to us to help us get her up here, I would so appreciate it.  As it is, she will be coming up with one suitcase and we will need to start getting her clothing as well as purchase a new couch so we have a place for her to sleep.

Normally I would not post this here, however, if I post it on Facebook, her mom's family will see it and a small war will break out.

Thank you so much for reading this.