The money was split between El Camino Homeless Organization and ALF Food Pantry

NORTH COUNTY — On Dec. 4, the Almond Country Quilt Guild (ACQG) presented checks totaling $6,200 to two local nonprofit organizations. The donation was split equally between El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO) and ALF Food Pantry, each receiving $3,100.

The monies were raised through the Guild’s annual Quilt Auction held in November. Over 50 quilts were made and donated by members of the Guild. The Guild also offered hand-crafted boutique items for sale, as well as a raffle.

Austin Solheim, director of operations and development at ECHO, expressed gratitude at the event.

“We are so honored to have been chosen by the ACQG to receive this very gracious donation and will be using this money to continue to provide a high level of services to those experiencing homelessness,” Solheim said.

Tim Eckles, president of ALF Food Pantry, was equally honored to be a donation recipient. 

“It’s groups like the ACQG that ensure that we can continue to operate at a high level and help so many people right here in our community. We are sincerely appreciative of the efforts and generosity of the Guild’s leadership and membership,” Eckles said.

ACQG President Elizabeth Roebber said that the quilt auction was one of the biggest events over the past few years. 

“Attendance was very good this year and was likely due, in large part, to the amazingly creative and high quality quilts that our members donated for the auction”, Roebber said.

In attendance at the donation ceremony were San Luis Obispo County Supervisor John Peschong, Atascadero Mayor Heather Moreno, and Atascadero City Councilmember Mark Dariz.

“The Guild has an incredibly generous membership who work hard all year to donate their time and their amazing quilt creations, and I’m grateful to have them in our community,” Peschong said. “Our community wins because of people like the Guild membership who come together for a greater good.”

Moreno shared Peschong’s sentiment.

“Our local governments work hard to fund a variety of programs to help those in need, but it’s these nonprofit organizations that help lead the way and provide essential services like food and shelter at a grassroots level,” she said. “The Quilt Guild is a shining example of how a group of people can come together to contribute to this chain of services”.

Dariz also mentioned another donation that was made by the Guild in November. 

“I was so happy to learn tonight that the Guild not only made this monetary donation but also spent all year creating 251 handmade quilts that were donated to our SLO County foster care community,” he said.

Planning for the 2024 auction is already underway, with members beginning their quilts and making plans for an even bigger event for the community. Visit acqguild.com for information.

ABOUT THE ALMOND COUNTRY QUILT GUILD

The Almond Country Quilt Guild is a 501c(3) organization and was founded in 1989 by a group of people who wanted to revitalize the art of quilting for members of all sewing abilities. Their mission is to support local charities while promoting knowledge and interest of quilting; encourage participation in the craft and art of quilting, patchwork, appliqué, and other aspects of quilt making; and to provide an information network for quilters.

General Guild membership is open to anyone over the age of 16, and junior memberships are available to those 8-16 years of age at a reduced rate. Monthly meetings are open to the public on the first Monday of each month with a social hour from 6:15 to 7 p.m. followed by a general meeting and a planned program that usually lasts about an hour.

Visit acqguild.com for information about the Guild, membership, meeting schedules, and events.

Feature Image: (From left) Atascadero Mayor Heather Moreno, Austin Solheim of El Camino Homeless Organization, Almond Country Quilt Guild President Elizabeth Rober, Linda Albright and Tim Eckles of ALF Pantry, Atascadero City Councilman Mark Dariz, and SLO County Supervisor John Peschong are shown at the check presentation as donations were made by ACQG to ECHO and ALF Pantry. Photo Courtesy of Morgan Childers