Dawn Reitz, lovingly known as The Quilt Lady of Kingfisher, has a gift for turning fabric and thread into pure comfort and love. This summer, she teamed up with fellow quilters to bless nearly 30 orphans at Casa Hogar in Tecamalcha, Mexico, children ranging from babies to 18 years old, with custom twin-size quilts and matching pillowcases.
This wasn’t Dawn’s first stitch of kindness. Nearly five years ago, she and her mother, JoAnn Smith, arranged for the same children to receive lap quilts. The little quilts were cherished, but the orphanage now had a bigger need, literally. They were short on twin-size quilts.
The idea seemed daunting at first, but during a regular quilting retreat, the plan began to take root. Sunnylane Southern Baptist Church in Del City committed to making 10 quilts, but surprised everyone by delivering 19. By the end of the three-day retreat at Retreat on the Square in Enid, where 14 talented ladies stitched with purpose, Dawn’s original goal of 30 quilts had blossomed into more than 60. “That’s just how God works,” Dawn says with a heartfelt smile.
Patty Stoudemire and Jamae Fry alone have made 25 quilts for Casa Hogar, while several others donated three or more. One woman traveled from Seminole to deliver three quilts she had made, and another from Oklahoma City generously donated seven. Dawn originally planned to quilt them all herself, but Patty Stoudemire, Janice Andrews, and Mary Beth Burns stepped in to help finish the work. Adding a special touch, Deanna Scruggs embroidered every label in Spanish.
Not only will Casa Hogar receive its quilts, but another orphanage in need will soon be wrapped in that same handmade love. Each quilt was sewn with colorful, cheerful fabrics donated by the community, while Dawn provided the backing and other supplies. Sewing with love is one thing; they also put the power of prayer into each quilt and pillowcase, blessing each child who will be snuggled in them.
And in the end, it’s a reminder that giving isn’t about how much you spend, it’s about the time, care, and love you share. Time, after all, is one of the most valuable gifts you can give.
AAK- Amy Smith
