Letters from Our Readers

Thanks to you and your devoted readers, I have now finished over 400 ugly quilts for the homeless.

People have been so very generous in sharing to help bring this about. Some have left materials at my door with no name so I have been unable to say thanks to them. Some have driven 20 miles or more to share with me.

Their generosity has been amazing and greatly appreciated. Thanks again.

P.S. I enjoy the Sunday Citizen very much.

Gertrude Coleman

[Editor's note: Gertrude Coleman was featured in The Citizen in March 1997, for having produced nearly 300 "ugly" quilts with other members of Women on Mission at New Hope Baptist Church. The unflattering name describes them well: 70-inch by 70-inch squares of whatever material happens to be at hand seconds, drapery ends, sheets stuffed with old blankets, towels, even clean underwear, backed, then folded and whip-stitched to form a simple sleeping bag.

They are distributed to the homeless, both urban and suburban, wherever the need happens to be. Reminded that if The Citizen publishes her letter more fabric might appear on her doorstep. Coleman said she didn't write her letter for that reason, but doesn't mind additional contributions of yard goods.

"I've been so blessed," she said. "Besides, when I go to bed on a cold night, I feel good to think someone out there might be warmer because of one of my quilts." The 74-year-old widow said she likes the Sunday Citizen. She thinks "the papers are kinder to the churches than they were at one time. They seemed to pick up on the bad, and overlook the good this is a nice change-around." Coleman's telephone number is 770-964-3241.]