Wonderful Keenesburg Resident Donates Beautiful Quilts

generous_donation.jpg

 Ms. Kim Aunkst of Keenesburg sews. And she quilts. And she generously donated her time, talents, and resources to help crime victims and others who could benefit from her gift. Ms. Aunkst reached out to the Police Department last year and asked whether we could use some handmade quilts.

pretty_quilt.jpg

The enthusiastic answer: YES! Occasionally in our work, police officers encounter people who are cold for a variety of reasons. The most frequent might be a car crash. But myriad others make the list, too. For example, a family could be displaced by a fire or flood in their home. A domestic disturbance might cause victims and others to leave their homes, suddenly, during the night or when it's cold out. Motorists have become stranded when their cars break down. And so on--you get the picture.

Ms. Aunkst to the rescue! She offered to help out, well simply because she can. She quilts out of her home in Keenesburg and she recognized that her quilts might help to comfort someone in their moment of need. Using scraps and unused blanket fabrics from her own stock, she created a slew of quilts that Keenesburg police officers can carry in their cruisers. Then, when a need arises, the officers can distribute the beautiful, soft, blankets to help protect someone from the elements, or comfort them, or warm them to prevent systemic shock. And the recipient can keep the quilt for their own use, free of charge.

The quilts are stunning, as you can see from the photo here. Typically, police carry inexpensive, unremarkable blankets for events where they would be useful. But today we are equipped with beautiful quilts handmade with love. Ms. Aunkst points out that they aren't heirloom quality, but they are so much more personal than the plain, nondescript blankets most often found in the trunk of a car.  Imagine how comforting it will be to someone who needs to feel cared for during their respective need. 

We are so grateful to Kim for sharing her quilts and allowing us to carry them. Though we hope we don't have to distribute them often, we are proud to have them and know they will bring comfort, warmth and security to folks in crisis. Like the security and calm Linus' iconic blanket brings him, these blankets will lessen the impacts of trauma or pandemonium for people experiencing a bad event. 

Ms. Aunkst shared that she will keep making quilts for us. If you or someone you know has fabric to donate, she is glad to turn it into a blanket or quilt that can help brighten a victim's day. Reach out to KPD and we will connect you with Ms. Aunkst. 

Keenesburg, we are so proud of the support you give your community and the Police Department. And Kim Aunkst, you personify that support in a lasting and impactful way. On behalf of a grateful Police Department, THANK YOU!