Published: October 23, 2009 11:05 am      

Caring Hearts gets a new director

Caring Hearts' newly elected director is Jean Wettlaufer. She is well known for her work with Women’s Connection and with other charitable groups in the area. Wettlaufer is one of the six original members of Caring Hearts who began the original group in November of 1997. Wettlaufer will be supported on the board by Beverly Garrison, secretary; Robbie Wightman, treasurer; MaryJo Jodarski, event chair; and Lita Crain. Our meetings are the second Friday of each month at the FFG United Methodist Church in Fairfield Glade at 9:30 a.m. Each month our volunteers work on projects to help "the least of these," and at home we crochet, knit or sew such things as baby blankets; walker, diaper and hygiene bags; we sew 24 adult bibs for Wyndridge residents monthly and so much more.

In 2010, we will start a new project to benefit our sister agencies: B4BOOKS, SACS, and Plateau Pregnancy Services. Under the direction of Jean Wettlaufer and Ellen Freel, from Caring Hearts, and Karen Martin, our affiliate from B4BOOKS, we will start a DIAPER BANK. This is a much needed service in this area and will benefit many needy babies. To offer your help with this project, you may contact Jean at 484-5082, Ellen at 456-1954, or Karen at 456-1809. We also plan to have our annual health fair in May at the Village Green Mall and need volunteers to help; we will begin to sign up health care professionals as early as February. If you would like to join the health fair planning committee, call MaryJo, at 456-1880, or Margaret, at 707-5662.

Christmas in August is also planned including a bake sale, recipe exchange, and much more to raise funds for the 300 Christmas stockings our volunteers will be crocheting, sewing, and filling for needy children. 2010 will be a year of many fun-filled events and less meeting-oriented activities.

Our next meeting is Friday, Nov. 13, at the United Methodist Church, FFG, at 9:30 a.m. We will fill 145 Christmas stockings, so many hands will be needed. Come check us out. We also need volunteers to sew diaper bags and adult bibs.

For more information on how you can be a "Caring Heart" and help those most in need in the community please call 484-5082, or 707-5662. Preferred hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. To make a tax deductible contribution, please send your check to: Caring Hearts, c/o Regions Bank P.O. Box 429, Crossville, TN 38557, attn: Robbie D. Wightman.

If you wish to donate baby food, diapers, rick rack, bias tape, yarn, motel soap, lotion, shampoo, empty computer ink cartridges, we have a box in the Village Green Mall in front of the beauty shop, and also at Regions Bank, 175 Miller Ave., Crossville. Thank you for your support.