Extension clubs support police with blanket effort

Local extension club members present 200 blankets to local police. Those taking part in the presentation include (front from left) Vanessa Leak, Dorlis Deaton, Darlen Eaton, Mayor Sue Murray, Julie Burns, (middle) Claire Winings, Dorinda Emberton, (back) Greencastle Police Chief Tom Sutherlin, Putnam County Deputy Donnie Pettit, Indiana state troopers James Crisp and Jonathan Cumbie, GPD officers Charles Inman and Nick Eastham and Putnam County Reserve Deputy Jerry Ensor. (Photo by JARED JERNAGAN)

A local woman who had wondered for quite some time what to do with all the fleece stored in her house is now using the material to support local law enforcement agencies.

Julie Burns of Greencastle said she had been trying to think of a way to support the police and realized that she and others could use their skills with needle and thread to make a generous donation to the agencies.

That all came together earlier this month at the Putnam County Museum when Burns and the two extension clubs -- One Stitch at a Time Quilt Club and Wild and Wacky Embroidery Club -- presented approximately 200 blankets to the Greencastle Police Department, Putnam County Sheriff's Department and Indiana State Police.

The blankets are to be kept in officers' cars and given to people in necessary situations, such as after an automobile accident. The fleece blankets were produced in baby, child and adult sizes, but are especially tailored to bringing comfort to young people.

Burns was almost overwhelmed as she spoke about the police who serve our community.

"You really are our heroes. You are on the front line here in Putnam County," Burns said. "This is such an honor for Greencastle and Putnam County and I hope it's an outreach for surrounding areas."

As the idea began to come together, Burns first reached out to Reserve Deputy Jerry Ensor about the sheriff department's involvement in the program. The other departments soon followed, with all three represented on the night of the presentation.

Besides presenting the blankets to keep in the cars, the ladies also honored several of the officers present for distinctions such as longest-serving, most children or grandchildren and the officer with children under the age of four at home.

Their prizes -- Indianapolis Colts-themed blankets -- should serve as code to their families, Burns said. She told the officers to tell their families, "When I'm under this blanket, it's my time out."

"We ought to hold you in the highest regard," Burns said. "We are free because of you.

"You're loved. You're appreciated."

Speaking briefly at the event, Greencastle Mayor Sue Murray offered her opinion that the officers weren't the only ones deserving of honor, but also the volunteers making the blankets.

"There are a lot of heroes here tonight," Murray said.

The ladies are hoping the effort continues to grow and that they will be able to keep the departments supplied with blankets in the future. There was even talk of starting a non-profit organization for the effort.

Burns also said she plans to put a blue light out in front of her house so that officers will know the place they can go to get more blankets.

Anyone interested in getting involved may contact Burns at 653-5573.