Another story involving a Ronald McDonald House, as this charity does wonderful work giving a warm place to live for sick children and their families)....

Patty Lemos of the San Francisco, California, Quilts for Kids chapter recently shared with us some photos of quilts that her group gifted to a Ronald McDonald House in Palo Alto, CA. Patty shares some details for us,

"There are only 5 of us who quilt, but those beautiful upholstry fabrics made beautiful hearts on some of those quilts...others were stashes that were emptied.... One lady from RMcD house told me that the little ones can pick whichever quilt they want when they get to choose...that touches me."

We can certainly understand why....being able to make a decision for oneself helps to take away some helplessness--especially when all the choices are beautiful, colorful reminders that someone cares.

Back in October 2005, we reported on the Marcus Brothers Guild Connection's First Annual Guild Challenge. The challenge was based on the lead fabric in Marcus Brothers Playbox Flannels Collection from designer Kym Bowles. Between August 2005 and March 2006, quilting guild members received fabric and then submitted quilts for judging in hopes of winning a shopping spree. All the quilts submitted were to be donated to Quilts for Kids and K.I.D.S -- Kids in Distressed Situations. We've now begun receiving the quilts from Marcus Brothers. Check their Guild Connection website for more news about the "official" winners of the contest. Of course, the real winners are the children in need who will receive these lovely quilts crafted with Marcus Brothers youth-themed fabric selections and the love of the guild member quilters.

Image shows Quilts for Kids founder Linda Arye, Lisa Shepard Stewart of Marcus Brothers and Michele Silver of K.I.D.S. Inc., along with winning quilts. (Remember to click the image for the full view)