Volunteer Profile

Lee, Linda, Bethany and Mary Kreklow like to volunteer and this year got involved in a project started by 10-year-old Mary — making quilts and blankets for Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee. The family lives in Tigerton, where Lee has his own business. Linda is a kindergarten teacher at Tigerton Elementary School. They have been married 23 years. Bethany, 12, is a student at Tigerton Middle School, and Mary is at Tigerton Elementary School. The family helps at the schools during family nights and volunteer for Tigerton Main Street activities, including the Festival of Trees, Community Cleanup, Apple Fest and the Fourth of July celebration. At Peace Lutheran Church in Split Rock, Linda teaches Bible school and Lee is a sub. They also help with the Tiger Tribe 4-H Club and the community garden. They enjoy gardening, biking and walking. Q How did the blanket project get started? A Mary: “I made a quilt for the Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee for a 4-H project, which was to make an item to donate. I decided that I wanted other people to do the same thing so more than one child could have a blanket or quilt. My 4-H club (Tiger Tribe) made some blankets and then the Tigerton Elementary School did. Most of them made one or some made two. I want lots of kids to have blankets to snuggle in. I will do it again for 4-H.” Q When are you taking the blankets there? A Lee: “We’re taking them June 9 when I go down for my appointment. We have over 30. The hospital knows they are coming. Mary got a gift card for Christmas and she got the fabric from Pinery Patches. They were very helpful. I’m very proud of her and both of my daughters. This is Mary’s way of giving back. Bethany has done a lot of stuff, too. I hope they continue in the spirit of giving and doing things for others.” Linda: “I think it’s wonderful. She (Mary) got the ball rolling and made a good thing out of it. Bethany made a tie blanket. The school staff made some. They took a collection and bought fabric. Some parents made donations. We have a box of fabric.” Others who have contributed blankets are Peace Lutheran Sunday School children, teachers and each class at Tigerton Elementary School, and individuals in the community. All quilts and blankets must be made with new materials. Anyone who is interested in making a blanket or quilt can call the Kreklows at 715-535-2831.