Sometimes all you need is a hug to feel more secure.
Empire Area Community Health Center is partnering with a national non-profit called Wings of
Love to distribute the organization’s hand-made comforters called “wings” to anyone in need.
“As a community health center, our mission is to provide quality health care, and also to
promote community health,” said Derek Migazzi, physical therapist at the health center.
“Projects like these remind me how special our community is, and how we can all contribute to
community health. The commitment to supporting our friends and neighbors runs deep.”
The patented Wings of Love shawls originated with organization founder Peg Quallen. Each
carries a special verse sewn into it that reads: “Healing angel from above, wrap me in your
wings of love. Softly whisper in my ear, words of comfort to calm my fears. Touch me with your
healing breath and in your arms I will find rest.”
The first set made by Quallen went to a loved one battling cancer. In the years since, they have
been distributed to thousands of neighbors, friends, and family members to be wrapped in love
– from premature newborn babies to those with serious illness.
Empire resident Sharon Geisler serves as the local facilitator for the organization and
appreciates Migazzi’s offer to display the blankets at the health center.
“As a facilitator I am inspired by the work volunteers put into this and we are thrilled to have a
central location for the community to create awareness about the wings in the community and
facilitate distribution,” she said. “These are patented and can never be sold or mass produced.
Everything about them from the fabric, to the time it takes to sew and distribute them, is
volunteer and donated efforts.”
The shawls may be picked up at the health center at 9975 W. Ottawa St. in Empire.
More information can be found at empireareacommunitycenter.org/about-us/wings-of-love.
Fabric donations are gladly accepted.