Quilter provides cover for Marines

By JEFF FRANK - Staff Writer | Wednesday, August 20, 2008 6:46 PM PDT ∞

Among the Marines at the Wounded Warriors Barracks at Camp Pendleton, Therese Thomas is known as "The Quilt Lady."

With good reason. Over the past two years, the Valley Center resident has delivered more than 200 homemade quilts for use by the injured Marines while they recuperate and to take with them after they return to their units or are discharged.

Thomas made some of the quilts, but most come from a group of quilters she pulled together after learning about the need at the barracks. She had seen a newspaper story about the barracks, illustrated by a photo of a Marine in bed. At the end of the bed was a homemade quilt.

Being a quilter, she took a pair of her own creations to the barracks and discovered they use about 100 quilts a year, and had just seven in reserve.

"I said 'holy crap,' and sent out a notice to every quilter I knew. Now I have about 150 quilters, and I send out a newsletter," she said.

Quilters from all over the country responded to the call, sending finished quilts, fabric or cash to help in the effort.

"The outpouring of support has been phenomenal," she said. "The quilts are just beautiful. Some of them are so ornate, it takes your breath away."

Thomas, a retired state fraud investigator, travels to the barracks whenever she has two or more quilts to deliver. She has also brought hundreds of pounds of oranges to the barracks and fills out tax returns for the Marines who need assistance.

"She really did help out here, and the guys are really appreciative," said Sebastian Maselli, barracks manager. "I've been here two years and when she comes through it's 'Hey, it's The Quilt Lady.' They love her."

Contact Thomas at therestax@sbcglobal.net.

Healthy golfing: Expect a full field for Friday's Fore For Kids golf tournament benefiting North County Health Services. Just a couple of golfing spots remain for the fourth annual tourney at Lake San Marcos Resort. "This is a tournament people play in because of the kids," said spokeswoman Michelle Davis. "Some of our players golf once a year, but everybody has a good time." Proceeds benefit the health center's pediatric services. Some Camp Pendleton Marines were sponsored to join the 144-player field. Plenty of golf equipment will be auctioned or raffled off. "We have raised $30,000 to $40,000 since we began this. That buys a lot of eye exams and car seats for the children," Davis said. The golfing starts at 12:30 p.m., with dinner following. Call (760) 736-8705.

Contact staff columnist Jeff Frank at (760) 740-5419 or jfrank@nctimes.com.

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