ELLEN CAMPBELL’S VOLUNTEER SPIRIT BRINGS COMFORT AND CONNECTION TO OTHERS

For Ellen Campbell of Panora, volunteering has always been about bringing people together to help others. Now, her dedication has earned statewide recognition.

Ellen joined Stitch & Chatter after retiring from Panorama Schools in 2015, seeing it as a way to keep busy and be productive at the same time. What began with borrowed sewing machines has grown into a thriving volunteer group with members from towns as far away as Jefferson that create quilts, pillowcases, doll clothes and other handmade gifts for people throughout the community.

Handmade with care
“Each and every member is a delight to be around,” Ellen said. “Without them, none of this could happen. We talk about who should be given a quilt, then invite the community to view them and see who will receive them. Probably the most rewarding part is the delivery of the quilts to so many people.”

The group relies on donated fabric and grant funding to support its work, providing handmade items to organizations, including Children’s Clothes Closet (Three C’s), medical facilities and others in need. She also helps organize donations, write grants and coordinate the group’s annual quilt showcase, where community members can see the finished projects before they are distributed.

In her nomination letter, Guthrie County REC member Luann Waldo said Ellen’s leadership and commitment made her an easy choice for the nomination.

“Ellen likes to keep busy. She is very good at organizing whatever task is put before her,” Luann shared of her longtime friend. “She has a talent of recruiting people to help her, but she never asks anyone to do anything that she won’t do herself.”

Luann added that the quilts are “made with love for fellow citizens. It’s a gift that shows the recipient someone cares about and for them.”

Inspiring others to serve
Ellen hopes the recognition inspires others to get involved in their own communities.

“I would encourage others to find a group in their community they could join and discuss how they could help someone,” she said. “Maybe random acts of kindness to a neighbor, business or even family member to bring a smile to their face.”

To learn about Stitch & Chatter, visit www.panorafcc.org/ stitch-and-chatter.

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Article contributed by Sarah Oltrogge | Communications Content Supervisor for Central Iowa Power Cooperative.