DEAR SUN SPOTS: A few weeks ago there was a story about blankets for “Quiet Cries.” How big should these blankets be?
— No name, no town
ANSWER: Staff writer Bonnie Washuk wrote the original story about “Quiet Cries” for Sun Journal’s Dec. 18 edition. There was a follow-up to the story in The Reporter’s Notebook on Dec. 30 updating readers on the success of 12-year-old activist Dominic Ferry’s blanket drive.
There is no size requirement. I received the following note from Dominic Ferry’s grandfather, Don Ferry, after inquiring for you. He wrote, “The blankets are for toddlers up to teenagers. They can be dropped off at Dom’s junior high school, Bruce M. Whittier Middle School on Route 26 in Poland.” The contact person is Bonnie Robbins, 998-3462, brobins16@rsu16.org c/o Dominic Ferry.
“Dominic’s motivation for this passion of his is driven by his and his mother’s survival of domestic violence,” Don Ferry wrote. “Two years ago, Dom asked all his family members to give him blankets and pillows for his birthday and Christmas in lieu of presents for himself. He wanted to donate them to the local safe houses for women and children who have survived domestic violence. Dominic, a student and athlete, has been playing football for the last six years and plays basketball where he is on the starting team for the Mid-Knights Middle School team. Dominic has also played baseball for the last six years and is currently on the Knights travel baseball team.
“Dom ran a successful blanket campaign at our church, St. Catherine’s in Norway where he has been an altar server for the last three years. Dom then took his blanket collection idea to our football families and successfully collected over fifty blankets. So far, Dom has collected more than 600 blankets and $500 in donations for his cause. We have finally set him up with his own non-profit organization called Quiet Cries. The web site address is www.quietcries.org and you can also follow Dom on Facebook at Quiet Cries. All the blankets have been delivered to safe houses throughout Androscoggin and Oxford Counties. The money will be distributed to these shelters specifically for counseling for children. Dom is the voice for these children and he believes he can help break the cycle of domestic violence. Dom himself is an example of how children who receive counseling, love, warmth and comfort can teach them that violence is not normal behavior.”
Besides blankets, the organization takes in monetary donations as well as books and pajamas in all sizes to bring some comfort to children.
They set up donation boxes in the community and have an awareness booth at events such as the 5K for domestic violence awareness and local sporting events.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, call the 24-Hour Helpline at 1-800-559-2927.
Whenever you wonder what you can do to help those in need, no matter what the circumstances, I want you to remember what this young man, with the help of his grandfather, has accomplished. These two are truly an inspiration and learning about them has certainly made my day warmer and brighter!
This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
