Ocean Waves Quilters meet weekly on Bailey Island to quilt and socialize.
In 2011, they elected to make Camp Sunshine of Casco a beneficiary of their work, as the camp had expressed a need for bed-size quilts. That year the group contributed five queen-sized quilts to the camp, but having seen the need, determined to do even better in 2012.
Ocean Waves Quilters consists of 14 local members, and a number of summer visitors. Together with resources from private fabric stashes, financial contributions, a Pine Tree Quilters Guild outreach grant, and even some unfinished quilt tops found abandoned in an attic, the group set to work.
MEMBERS of the Ocean Waves Quilters sew labels on quilts for Camp Sunshine, Pictured from left are Phyllis Truesdell, Paula Paganucci, Mary Demond and Jan Wiehe. At right, the group delivers the quilts to Camp Sunshine. From left are Mary Ann Holcombe, Sally Weymouth, Shirley Freeman, Jan Oliver, Janet Kirkpatrick, Maryann Douglas, Donna Leith, Mary Demond and Nancy Hill.
On Wednesday, representatives of Ocean Waves were invited to the camp for a lunch and a tour of the campus. Following an update on camp programs and activities, the quilters presented the results of their year-long effort, a total of 40 completed quilts.
“We were so enthusiastic, I think we even surprised ourselves with the size of our accomplishment,” said Nancy Hill, coordinator of the event. “We are only a handful of people, but we were motivated as well as productive.”
Jan Wiehe added, “The camp is such a wonderful resource, it isn’t hard to want to help.”
“We are overwhelmed by the generosity and effort these quilts represent,” said Donna Leith, development team/grant writer for the camp. “These beautiful quilts bring cheer and comfort to our campers and their families, and we are most grateful to our friends of the Ocean Waves Quilters.”
Set on a beautiful corner of Lake Sebago, Camp Sunshine provides year-round medical and counseling services to children suffering from serious or terminal illness. Sessions are organized around specific illnesses to allow campers and their families the opportunity to network and learn, while enjoying nature.
Services are provided free to the campers, and are much in demand. Supported entirely by contributions and volunteer efforts, the camp is respected as being a leader in quality of service, efficiency of operation and fulfillment of mission.
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