Last weekend marked the kickoff of Binky Patrol’s 30th anniversary year—a milestone made possible by the passion and dedication of volunteers from across the country.
A few of our national officers—Laurie Smith, Carolyn Berndt, and Miriam Siegel—joined me in person for a weekend of laughter, reflection, and inspiration. Longtime volunteer Susan Staebell also made the trip, and together we shared stories, ideas, and a lot of memories.
On Saturday, two of our longest-running chapters joined us in person: Kathy Taylor from our Irvine, California chapter (celebrating over 28 years of service!) and Marilyn Novak with volunteers from Dana Point – Denise and Jane—another chapter with nearly three decades of commitment.
We swapped stories about how we first got involved, laughed about the legendary blue plaid fabric from BB Dakota (yes… that blue plaid showed up at every event for years), and revisited the incredible support we’ve had from donors like True Grit and PJ Salvage in our early days.
For one newer volunteer in the room, this was her first time hearing the full origin story of Binky Patrol. It was a great reminder that our history is something to celebrate—and share often.
Why This Matters Now: A Call to the Next Generation of Volunteers
One topic that kept coming up: How do we attract younger volunteers?
We’ve been blessed with years of support from quilters, crocheters, knitters, and sewing groups. But many of these volunteers are aging out, and we know it’s time to help the next wave of caring hearts find their way to us. A younger volunteer recently told me, “Once I left school, I just forgot that volunteering was a thing… I didn’t realize how easy it was to jump back in.”
That stuck with me.
Volunteering doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment. Even one hour a month can make a real impact.
Whether you’re new in town, looking to meet like-hearted people, or just wanting a creative way to give back—Binky Patrol offers a simple, joyful way to make a difference. Just ask Terri Madruga, who started a new chapter in Idaho shortly after her move. She found new friendships — through new Binky Patrol volunteers.
What’s Next: The National Bink-A-Thon
This October, thanks to funding support from the MrBallen Foundation, we’ll host our National Bink-A-Thon.
At least 10 chapters will participate in a gathering on the same day to make as many blankets as possible for kids in need.
Last year, our Beaverton, Oregon chapter made 310 blankets in a single day. This year, we hope to do even more.
How You Can Get Involved
If you’ve ever said, “I’d like to volunteer… someday,” we’re here to tell you: This is your sign.
You don’t have to be a master quilter. You don’t have to commit every weekend. You just have to care.
We’ll teach you. We’ll welcome you. We’ll laugh with you.
Start with one blanket. One hour. One act of kindness.
Because the next 30 years of Binky Patrol start with you.
