Hammond quilt initiative reaches 1,000 mark

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Samantha S. Crane
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  One thousand and counting ...

For the team of nearly 20 volunteers, it's a goal they've waited nearly three years to reach, and one they realized on March 24 with the birth of Kirsten Charlotte Norwood, daughter of Matthew and Dena Norwood, who received the 1,000th Hammond Baby Bundle.

Armed with more than a dozen sewing machines, trays of fresh-baked goodies and snacks to keep them going all day, a group of volunteers recently met at the Airman and Family Readiness for Hammond Quilt Day -- a day to honor the memory of one of their most beloved volunteers, Airman 1st Class Walter Hammond, by creating homemade blankets and other goodies for newborn babies here.

Airman Hammond, a member of the 366th Civil Engineer Squadron, died in a snowmobile accident Feb. 5, 2004. During his time at Mountain Home, Airman Hammond was a volunteer at the Gunfighter Attic with a soft spot in his heart for babies. Following his death, base volunteers came together and decided they would continue his love of children and volunteering by sewing quilts and packaging them with other homemade gifts, known as Hammond Baby Bundles, for new parents here.

Each baby bundle contains a handmade quilt and card made by base and local volunteers along with clothing, a stuffed animal and hat. Every baby born at the base hospital receives a bundle with each one numbered and tracked.

Volunteers delivered their first Hammond Bundle May 19, 2004. They handed out their 500th bundle on Aug. 6, 2006. And now, they've reached 1,000.

The Gunfighter Attic continues to recruit people interested in joining the Hammond Bundle team. Volunteers meet for one day every three months to help sew quilts or assemble bundles.

"No experience is needed," said Kim Kish, Gunfight Attic manager. "We can provide pre-cut fabric kits, quilt batting and basic sewing supplies are provided."

Those who wish to help but can't donate their time may help with donations of unwanted fabric, quilt batting, sewing supplies and new or nearly-new baby clothes, books, hats and small stuffed animals.

"This program has not only helped a family heal from a tragic event but has also brought our Air Force community closer together," said Ms. Kish. "We now have an outlet for those wanting to quilt -- or even to learn how to quilt -- to perform an act of kindness to our Air Force families. Each bundle is a special gift from all of us to celebrate the birth of each newborn and for you to remember how precious life is. We are 'Gunfighters helping Gunfighters.'"

For more information on quilting dates or on how to donate to the Hammond Baby Bundles, contact Ms. Kish at 828-4735.

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