Just over two years ago, in March 2021, photographs of children and teens in detention centers on our southern border, huddled in aluminum warming blankets, appeared in the media. Those photos inspired us to begin making quilts to envelop those children – and their families – in welcome.

Some of us began sewing right away. On May 3, 2021, socially distanced and outside on a porch, we gathered for tea and got organized. We mark that as our “official” anniversary. A few months later we found our name.

So much has happened in those two years.

• We have sent 500+ handmade quilts to immigrant children, teens and their families.
• First Crew has grown from four women sewing quilts in a church hall in Portland, to more than a dozen people meeting weekly and working diligently.
• First Congregational United Church of Christ gave us a permanent storage space. We’ve filled that room with colorful fabric, supplies and equipment.
• Crews in four or five states have organized and joined us in our mission. 
• Many beginning quiltmakers have sewn their very first quilt – learning, making and joining a tradition of quilters 
• We have a website. 
• We have an organized system of tracking quilts coming in from around the country, thanks to Christina H. 

Most important of all: we have created and experienced great measures of love.

No matter how you’ve touched this organization, thank you. The need continues, as does our gratitude. 

In honor of our second anniversary, Pat Fitzgerald, friend of Bienvenidos Quilts, photographed our quilts hanging in the historic First Congregational UCC sanctuary in Portland. The quilts will be on display in the sanctuary while they await distribution to organizations at the border – usually in groups of 40 or 50. ~ Rachel Stevens, First Crew, Portland, Oregon