Woven with care: APD shares local quiltmaker’s creations with children in need
For years now, Linda Fenty — affectionately known as the Quilt Lady — has made a difference by quilting blankets for Auburn Police officers to share with children in the community.
When Linda Fenty first called the Auburn Police Department (APD), she didn’t expect the interaction to turn into countless opportunities to share warmth and comfort with children in the community.
In fall 2022, Linda’s 5-year-old grandson came to Auburn for a visit. He dreamed of becoming a police officer, so Linda reached out to APD to see if they could arrange a visit. The department wasted no time making it happen, sending three officers to meet him. The visit made a lasting impression — not just on her grandson, but on Linda, too.
Linda was looking for a way to give back to the community, and that day left her with an idea. With decades of quilting experience, she took up her fabric and needles and started making quilts for APD to give children during emergency situations, such as car accidents or domestic disturbances.
Months later, Linda showed up at the police station to say thank you, arms loaded with quilts.
“I think I took 24 quilts that first time,” she said. “These big burly policemen came out to help carry them in. They were so sweet, admiring how soft the quilts were. That made me want to go back and make more.”
With help from friends in her local quilt guild and others at an annual quilting retreat, Linda did indeed make more. Friends donated fabric, supplies and their time. As of last fall, Linda has now donated over 100 quilts that have made it into the arms of children when they need some comfort.
School Resource Officer Jason Goodwin has brought several of the quilts to the Auburn Early Education Center to share with students when they need a “little extra love on tough days.” Whether it’s a visit to the school counselor or the nurse’s clinic, Linda’s quilts are close by, providing a sense of calm and care for the kindergarten through second graders at the school.
Other quilts have found their way into the arms of children in APD’s care as they wait for placement through the Department of Human Resources. Auburn Police Chief Cedric Anderson shared that, in many cases, children curl up with their quilt and quickly settle in for a nap.
Even now that she’s reached 100 quilts, Linda doesn’t plan on stopping any time soon.
“I told them, as long as they wanted me, they had me for life,” Linda said. “I would be the quilt lady.”