Chandra Wilson joins Quilts for Kids comfort program

22 May '09

3 min read

More than six million children are hospitalized each year in the United States, forced to confront the challenges of overcoming illness while being away from home in an unfamiliar environment.

In order to bring a little comfort and security back to some of these children, Downy fabric softener, in partnership with Quilts for Kids, Inc., has launched the Downy Touch of Comfort program. This program will deliver personalized, hand-made quilts to children staying in Children's Miracle Network hospitals throughout the country, helping to give them a moment to smile during their tough times. Chandra Wilson, a mother of three and star of "Grey's Anatomy," has joined Downy's efforts to try and comfort as many children as possible.

"The Downy Touch of Comfort program delivers to children exactly what it says -- comfort when kids need it most," said program spokeswoman Chandra Wilson. "As a mom, most of my life focuses on caring for my children and making sure they are safe and secure wherever they may be. It brings me a great deal of joy to be a part of this program and know that Downy is partnering with these wonderful organizations to help children feel more comforted and at ease in an unfamiliar and sometimes intimidating place."

People across the United States can add a "touch of comfort" in their communities in numerous ways by visiting DownyTouchofComfort.com to help make a difference in a child's life. At the site, people can make donations to benefit the program, volunteer to deliver quilts or even learn how to become a local ambassador. In addition, the quilting community can visit the site to request a quilt kit or they can design their own quilt and send it to their local Quilts for Kids chapter or headquarters for distribution.

"The Downy brand's vision is to remind people that it's the small and simple things they do in life that mean the most," said Mary Pochobradsky, Downy Marketing Director. "Downy has comforted families for almost 50 years, and this is a small and simple thing we can do to give back and bring comfort to those who need it most -- hospitalized children."

Downy partnered with Quilts for Kids, Inc. because of the organization's dedication to delivering quilts that comfort hospitalized children with cancer, AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses. So far, Quilts for Kids has distributed over 50,000 quilts worldwide, saving millions of pounds of fabric from going into landfills. Since 2000, Quilts for Kids has spread to over 50 sister chapters in North America and plans to form a chapter of Quilts for Kids in every region that has a fabric source or Design Center.

"The partnership between Downy and Quilts for Kids is such a perfect fit," said Linda Arye, president of Quilts for Kids, Inc. "Together, Downy and Quilts for Kids are working to provide these children moments of joy and security, making them feel more comforted in an unfamiliar place."

Therelationship with the Children's Miracle Network allows Downy to tap into a system of 170 children's hospitals across the country.

"We are pleased to be partnering with Downy on such an important cause geared at helping children through the power of comfort," said LaMar Williams, Director of Business Development, Children's Miracle Network. "Our network of hospitals will ensure a successful campaign by reaching thousands of hospitalized children across the country."

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