Community Quilters Provide Humanitarian Aid to Denton Fire Victims
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When the Community Quilters of the American Lutheran Church of Chinook learned about the fire victims in Denton on December first, they were determined to add to the relief efforts. On Friday morning December 3, a group gathered in the church basement to assemble a care package of fifteen large and six youth and baby quilts.
One of the quilters, Bonnie Hellman said, "From our pile in storage, we selected those that are constructed mostly of polyester, thinking they'd be warmer."
Before the quilts were boxed for delivery, the crew affixed each with a label that read: "Made by Community Quilters of the American Lutheran Church of Chinook, Montana; may this quilt bring you peace and comfort."
The box was delivered to Denton by Hellman's daughter Julianna Stone and her husband, Allyn, who live at Geraldine. The couple was in Chinook on Sunday, December 5 for a Confirmation Celebration and promised to get the quilts to their destination.
A fast-moving wildfire forced Denton residents, a population of about 300, to evacuate on Wednesday, December 1, leaving devastation in its wake. The fire, which burned approximately 10,644 acres, destroyed at least 25 structures, including grain elevators, bridges, and homes.
Referred to as the West Wind Fire, the blaze started in the Arrow Creek area west of Denton. A downed power line is the suspected cause of a grass fire, which spread rapidly-propelled by winds gusting out of the west at speeds of up to 65 mph. In those conditions, the fire travelled east from Judith Basin County into Fergus County, spreading for 18 miles from Highway 80 to the east, well past Denton.
According to Fergus County Disaster and Emergency Services (DES), the wind not only spread the fire; it also spread ash, embers, smoke, and debris throughout the town of Denton. Spot fires erupted between homes, vehicles and other buildings, which pushed resources beyond their limits. Both travel and visibility were reported to be very difficult.
Hearing of that disaster, the Community Quilters stated that their purpose for quilting is to meet local needs. Although they previously quilted for Lutheran World Relief (LWR), an emergency response arm of the church, they exchanged that humanitarian giving for a focus on local needs. The Sweet Memorial Nursing Home (SMNH) and District 4 Human Resources Development Council (HRDC) in Havre are two organizations that receive fairly regular donations.
For example, last year, the Community Quilters donated lap quilts and constructed shirt savers from donated towels for the residents at SMNH. At Christmas time, they also gave five female-themed quilts and three male-themed quilts to be used as Christmas gifts at the nursing home.
The group additionally quilts for church events. When Kiera Hellman and Gracie Skoyen were confirmed on Sunday, December 5, they both received a quilt created by the Community Quilters. During the presentation on behalf of the group, Hellman said: "We hope this quilt provides you not only with God's love and warmth but with comfort, love, and support from your church family as well."
Currently comprised of Hellman, June Reynolds, Mildred Dawson, and Terry Grabofsky, the Community Quilters meet every Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Each member contributes something in the way of snacks, and they each bring their own lunch. "Mildred makes coffee, and we spend the first hour socializing. I think we spend more time visiting than quilting," Grabofsky laughed. "And we're always looking for new members."
Insisting that quilting skills are not required, the group welcomes anyone interested in joining, regardless of denomination. "We need people willing to cut, tie yarns, iron, and sew," Grabofsky said. "Everyone is welcome!"
