by Joan Beaubian (as printed in Senior Scope)
These days, Facebook is a popular way to communicate across the miles. Recently, TSgt Samantha Dunn posted on Boys and Girls Club of New Bedford’s Facebook page:
“Hi! My name is TSgt Samantha Dunn and I am currently stationed at Hagram Air Field in Afghanistan. I wanted to send a HUGE thank you to the New Bedford Boys and Girls Club for two homemade pillowcases that I just received. They were made by Taylor Gilmer and Taylor Dobem, ages 7 and 10. (I apologize if I misspelled the names) The pillowcases were exactly what I needed to make my hut feel a little more like home and I really appreciate all the hard work and thoughtfulness that went into making them. Your efforts didn’t go unnoticed. Thank you, Thank you, and Thank you.”
The story behind this Facebook post starts with two ladies, Izidora Vincent, a Foster Grandparent volunteer “extraordinaire” at the Boys and Girls Club, and Claire Geggat of Coastline Elderly Services. With brightly patterned fabrics donated by Mrs. Geggat, Mrs. Vincent and her “Learning to Sew” class fashioned pillowcases and sometimes body pillows (with labels attached with boy’s or girl’s name) that Mrs. Geggat collects and sends to our troops stationed across the world, concentrating on war zones. They also make Christmas stockings and have sent hundreds so far. The soldiers appreciate each gift of support and love, especially when it is made by youngsters.
Mrs. Vincent has been an active Foster Grandparent at the Boys and Girls Club since 1995, but has been serving the young people of New Bedford for many years. She was one of the founders of Top Teens, in the late 1950s, an innovative social organization that brought girls from the South End and West End together in a social atmosphere.
The Learning to Sew class teaches the concept of sewing, from making a pattern, using measurements and sewing on a machine to hand sewing the finishes. Each of these tasks subliminally teaches mathematics, use of a sewing machine, ironing and skills that can be used every day, including concentration and completion. The Foster Grandparent Program, headed by Christine Voss at Coastline Elderly Services, and the Boys and Girls Club of New Bedford have been partners since 1989.
