Navy mom donates hand-sewn quilts to Djibouti orphanage

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Mary Popejoy | French Nun Theresa Corcoran and Chief Information Systems Technician (SW/AW) Aja Wright, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Tactical Communications senior non-commissioned officer in charge, look at one of the quilts made by Wright's mother Amanda Grinnell and her sister Frances Ellison of Sumpter, S.C.  

DJIBOUTI

10.28.2007

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Mary Popejoy 

Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa

By Petty Officer 1st Class Mary Popejoy
Combined Joint Task Force-HOA Public Affairs

DJIBOUTI — She lives half a world away from the Djibouti Babies Orphanage, but her daughter Chief Information Systems Technician (SW/AW) Aja Wright, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Tactical Communications senior noncommissioned officer-in-charge, is so close that she donates a few hours of her off-time each week to feed and play with the youngest orphans of Djibouti.

Wright's mother, Amanda Grinnell and sister Frances Ellison, of Sumpter, S.C., have listened to her experiences at the orphanage by way of telephone weekly since their Sailor deployed to CJTF-HOA in February, and were compelled to help out in their own special way.

"One night I called them and mentioned that instead of blankets in the cribs there were towels and I felt they needed more than just that to cuddle up with at night," said Wright. "It was during that conversation my mom said she would sew up some baby quilts."

After purchasing the fabric, it took a month to make 53 quilts that were delivered to the Babies Orphanage, Oct. 25, by Wright and several members of the CJTF-HOA team.

"This was an extremely nice thing for her to do for the children here, even though she'll never meet them," said Marine Master Sgt. Janel A. Moore, CJTF-HOA Command Element staff secretary and administration chief. "I think she is truly a blessing, a gift from God."

Donating quilts is not the first care package her mother and sister have sent to the babies. They've also sent 'sippy cups' for the toddlers, baby clothes, shoes and other necessities needed by the orphanage on a daily basis.

"My mother believes that even though they are young, they will remember some of what we are doing for them," said Wright. "By them remembering us, they will understand that we care about their quality of life."

Wright went on to say that her families' desire to help those in need, has and will always be a part of who they are as a family.

"We just believe that if you are able to help someone you should," said Wright. "I learned this behavior from my mother, so to me, this is what you are supposed to do if you have a chance to give back to the community in a very special way. We are giving them something more valuable than money, we are giving our time and that's something you can't put a price tag on even if you're a half a world away."

• Date Taken: 10.28.2007
• Date Posted: 10.28.2007 11:16
• Story ID: 13386
• Location: DJ