According to Foster Care, a Program of Nebraska Children's Home Society, or NCHS, there were 6,640 children in foster care in Nebraska during their fiscal year 2020 to 2021. Esther Martin, a Superior resident, was just as shocked when she heard the news. "I had no idea that there could be that many children in foster care. I didn't have the foggiest idea. You don't hear or read about it that much," said Esther.
Often children are abruptly removed from their households and enter foster homes without bringing any personal comforts of their own. "It hit a soft spot with me," said Esther. From that discovery, Esther knew quilting blankets for the children was her calling. In 2021, she sewed 100 quilts. From that year forward, she made it her annual goal to quilt 100, as life and health permits. In 2022, she quilted 100 and in 2023, another 60. It brings a state of satisfaction for Esther, "To make something a child will use is enough for me."
When she is not volunteering at Nifty Thrifty, she quilts in the mornings and evenings. She makes patchworks of themes like sports, dinosaurs, dogs, stars, flowers or whatever material is available. "I work with what I have," said Esther. She uses fabric she purchases or what has been given to her. Esther sews the quilts on a sewing machine and hand ties colorful yarn through the three layers. These steps make them more durable to endure years of use and washing. Her hope is that "those who receive the quilts will know somebody cares for them even if they don't know who made it for them." Esther's more recent quilts can be recognized by a label sewn in the corner "Handmade with love by Esther Martin just for you."
Esther learned sewing from her mother and in 4-H from early childhood through high school. As a youngster, some of her quilts were entered at the fairs. Esther began sewing on a treadle sewing machine like what Amish communities might use today as it did not run on electricity. The treadle is powered by a foot lever at the base. Esther has upgraded her machine three times since the treadle. However, she prefers to use the simple machines that "sew forward, backwards and zig zag" instead of the newer models with all the gadgets and settings. She said, "plain machines are hard to find."
She grew up wearing clothing her mother sewed for her and she embraced the same skill. As an adult, she didn't buy a lot of ready-made clothing. She got what she wanted by making her own. For her wedding she sewed her bridesmaid's dresses. Later, Esther's two daughters grew up with sewn clothes as well, "They knew mom would make them something new," said Esther.
Esther reminisced about her church, Our Redeemer Lutheran, where she had assisted the lady's group with quilting for missions. Thinking back, the ladies had donated quilts to the Lutheran World Relief. "You thought of children and parents who are homeless. It just isn't right for people to live like that," said Esther. "There is something I can do. It made me think. God gave me the ability. I could sew all through my life. To make someone happy makes me happy."
Another purposeful endeavor she embarked on was making crib sized quilts for families who attended Camp Holly for retreats. The quilts were auctioned off and sold at higher-than-expected prices. All proceeds raised supported the camp site. She continued this practice until the church doors closed.
Esther has also made lap quilts for patients at Brodstone Healthcare. They were specially designed, so they wouldn't get caught in wheelchair wheels. Good Samaritan Society residents were also warmed by Esther's lap quilts. One woman in particular had medical challenges which required her to be in a reclining wheelchair day and night. Esther seamed a special quilt that would cover her from her neck to her toes. She was appreciative feeling warm and snug. For the holidays, Esther made her an extraordinary Christmas quilt of similar shape. The woman's face lit up with surprise and joy when she received it. She enjoyed it for a short time until her passing. Esther was pleased to have provided her with some comfort and happiness in her last days.
Perhaps you have seen her works. Senior citizens in the community have had the pleasure of receiving a quilt made by Esther through Mid-Nebraska. During emergencies when the police and fire departments were called out, they also had Esther's quilts ready to hand out as needed. After some time, the hospital wasn't in need of more lap quilts. It was a good transition time for Esther to focus her energies on sewing for the children.
And then there is her family. She has four grandchildren, which, interestingly enough, are two sets of twins. She has nine great-grandchildren. Plenty to make quilts for. One granddaughter likes the quilts so much she has made a particular request for her future grandchildren. She has asked her Grandma Esther to make quilts for them to be set aside for those days. Esther has a box started.
Since she started quilting for the foster children three years ago, Esther has added donating new or gently used backpacks, stuffed animals and socks along with a quilt. Esther said she wants "every child to have one of each they can call their own."
Esther is grateful to friends who have given her fabric and quilting supplies to make the one-of-a-kind gifts to comfort children or those in need. "It is such a joy," said Esther.
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