Story 6

Evelyn Carson is surrounded by a just-assembled group of WUA! afghans.

In our own backyard...Touched by an Angel

Craft Yarn Council of America and Warm Up America! are helped by thousands of “angels” nationwide, and there's one in our town who we would like to tell you about. Her name is Evelyn Carson, a retired accountant from Southern Bell.

A program supporter ever since she heard our plea that American Red Cross chapters needed blankets for burnout victims and flood relief, Evelyn has been tackling one of WUA!'s toughest assignments: joining individual sections into finished afghans. She's been tireless in her efforts. Last year, for instance, she assembled 128 afghans, the year before 132, and she's already completed 44 so far this year. All told, we estimate she's assembled over 500 afghans.

“I feel I was put here for a purpose,” says Evelyn, when asked about what motivates her to spend so much time on WUA! Shy about her contributions, she says, “I don't want any recognition. I started this as a way to give something back, to help someone in need. When people lose everything, having a blanket to throw over their shoulders is comforting.” She's encouraged friends and family to also get involved. Marie Carson, Evelyn's sister-in-law, is now a regular contributor.

WUA! is not the only beneficiary of Evelyn's gifts in kind. She and her husband John are active in their church ministry and different volunteer groups.

Last year she was the recipient of an “Angel” certificate from the Order of the Eastern Star, the first ever presented by local chapter 263.

Tips from an Angel

We asked Evelyn to share some of her tips for completing WUA! afghans. First, advises Evelyn, “Make it fun. See the beauty in it.” Now that can be challenging, especially when you are working with 49 sections, each stitched by a different person. “I just try to make it as pretty as possible by laying out sections on the floor and moving colors around until they look the best they can be.” On average, it takes her 10 hours to complete one afghan.

Thank you so much, Evelyn.

There are days, when as many as 20 to 30 boxes are delivered to Craft Yarn Council of America offices. Sorting the donations, bagging them for assembly and then shipping them where they are needed are Warm Up America! program coordinator Pat Martin (r.) and staff members Jennifer Manlove (c.), and Amber Froneberger (l.).

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