One of many tangible signs of support sent to Newtown after 12/14 was a quilt made by students at St Hillary Catholic School in Fairlawn, Ohio, and sent to a school in New Jersey to show their support for children affected by 9/11. It was called the Comfort Quilt, and over 11 years the quilt traveled to six schools affected by natural disasters or gun violence, before arriving in Newtown in 2013.

In September 2014 town officials realized that the Comfort Quilt was missing from its vast collection, either taken purposely from its Municipal Center display, or through error. The Comfort Quilt has not yet been returned, despite numerous pleas from town officials and archivists.

Rather than break the circle of love for communities dealing with adversity, community residents Suzanne Davenport and Jan Brookes will give Newtown children an opportunity to pay it forward on Saturday, December 6, by coordinating a community effort to make another Comfort Quilt.

Ms Davenport and Ms Brookes will staff a table at the Parks & Recreation “Breakfast with Santa” event, taking place from 9 to 11 am in the Newtown Middle School cafeteria. Newtown children can draw pictures that represent what they are thankful for, or how they feel blessed. These drawings will be incorporated into the new quilt.

Parents of children who would like to make a contribution to the Comfort Quilt, but are unable to attend Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, may call either Suzanne Davenport at 203-270-9504 or Jan Brookes at 203-426-9889, and supplies will be provided to complete the project at home.