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Betty Clark surrounded by a collection of afghans. “Let’s not forget our Veterans.”
About five months ago, a very spry and young Betty Clark decided to do something about the veterans. She came up with the idea of collecting or buying afghans (or throws and lap quilts) to give to the veterans at VA hospitals. Betty named her organization L.O.V. (L.ove O.ur V.ets).”I wanted to do something for our vets. I wanted to give them a touch of home! They need to know that we still care.”
Betty Clark set out on her newfound mission. She buys, begs, asks, and thanks anyone who will contribute an afghan, new or used, to give to her vets. She repairs them, if needed, sanitizes them, rolls them up and puts a ribbon one each one.
So far, she has contacted VA hospitals and made arrangements to give the afghans to “our vets”. Her first delivery was 48 afghans to the VA hospital in Asheville, followed by 75 to the VA hospital in Salisbury, and recently 100 to the VA hospital in Mountain City, Tennessee. Her next deliveries hopefully will be 100 afghans to Fayetteville and then 100 to Durham. “My goal is give afghans to all VA hospitals in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.” Not bad for a one person operation.
The veterans in wheel chairs, still suffering from wounds or loss of limbs, are so thankful for the afghans. Like the recipients, each afghan has its’ very own personality. “Every little kid loves his or her “blankie” and I think they never grow out of that!”
Betty Clark says she will not stop until she reaches her three state goal. “Just one more afghan, one more warm vet and a big thank you with the reminder that they are not forgotten.”
This lady was born in Rutherford County and just returned two and a half years ago. She has traveled and worked all over the United States, Mexico and Canada. Her experiences include Foreign Missionary Work, modeling for specialized clothing, photography, and art. She has one son, named Barry. Betty decided not to give him a middle name so he could pick one out when he got older. True to her thinking, Barry is now very successful and known to everyone as Damon. When he was young, he admired and befriended the famous Rutherford County Sheriff, Damon Husky and took his name.
Betty Clark says she wants to thank those who have contributed an afghan, given of their time, or money to continue reaching her goal. By the way, did I mention that she is an eleven year cancer survivor? She says you can beat cancer and keep going. To have the privilege of meeting her, she can easily remind you of the Energizer Bunny. She is constantly on the go! Many ideas and a dedication not to forget our veterans. She is hoping that local churches might be able to assist her in this endeavor.
If you would like to help Betty, just call 828-447-4708. She will make arrangements for your contribution of an afghan, lap quilt or money. Ask for the “Afghan Lady” and tell her you want to be a part of her magnificent idea! Let’s not forget to L. O. V. - Love Our Vets!
“It is more blessed to give than to receive” - Acts 20:35.
