VCOM View Vol 11 No 1

INTERNATIONAL Outreach

A Patchwork of Generosity Restrictions on travel do not limit the capacity of VCOM’s mission to serve by Diane Sutphin A lthough VCOM students will not be traveling to Honduras in January 2022, the children of the Baxter Malnutrition program will have stitched quilt and a pillowcase. Other VCOM partners are working on a pillow donation. In developing countries, a pillow is often

most in need. Realizing this shared interest in serving those in need, Dr. Sutphin was determined to make a presentation to The Stitchers, located at the Glen Allen Church of Christ in Richmond, Virginia to gauge their interest in providing quilts for children in Honduras who are part of a malnutrition program. In early October, Dr. Sutphin contacted Jim Otto, who leads the quilting ministry to arrange for a presentation to the group regarding VCOM’s International Outreach Program. The presentation was so well-received that Dr. Sutphin traveled back to Blacksburg with his car packed full of handmade quilts, pillowcases and walker/ wheelchair bags.

considered a luxury, something adults may have, but children rarely might possess. In a recent conversation with Dean Sutphin, PhD, Vice-Provost for International Outreach, Maria Harris, Executive Director of the Virginia Osteopathic Medical Association (VOMA), mentioned that she enjoyed quilting and is a member of “The Stitchers.” A group of sewing aficionados, The Stitchers meet every Thursday and on most Sunday afternoons to make and donate countless quilts and other goods for those

another bright surprise arriving. An assortment of hand stitched quilts, pillowcases and tote bags will be donated by kind-hearted quilting enthusiasts. Thanks to VCOM’s student organizations from all four campuses including Hispanic Community Medical Outreach (HCMO), American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians (ACOP) and Student American Association of Osteopathy (SAAO), over 100 children will be receiving a holiday gift along with a beautiful hand

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