Name: Terrie Madruga

Age: 49

Residence: Lincoln

Occupation: Quality manager at Delta Dental

Volunteer work: Area coordinator for the Binky Patrol’s Lincoln chapter

Family: Her son, Paul, 11, and her sister’s family, who also live in Lincoln

How did you get involved with Binky Patrol?

“I’ve been with the Binky Patrol for seven years now. It’s gone by quickly. I made a quilt for my son when he was about 5 because I thought he would really cherish it. He still loves it so much that he calls it the ‘Love Blanket.’ I thought there had to be an organization out there (like Binky Patrol) because a lot of folks have kids who are grown and gone, but they still like doing something crafty.”

What does the Binky Patrol do?

“We’re a national nonprofit organization that provides any type of handmade blanket to children going through a trauma or who are ill. When you’re going through a trauma, it shows that someone cares, even at your lowest point. We donate a lot to Sutter Roseville’s children’s trauma center. For children getting airlifted out, a colorful quilt gives them something to concentrate on. It’s especially important when someone has lost a premature baby. Everyone assumes all new moms are happy, that everyone has a baby to take home, but it’s not always that way. Or if a baby is in the ICU, it’s a very sterile environment, it doesn’t feel like home. But a blanket is something you can take with you. The blankets also go to foster children. A lot of foster children don’t have anything of their own and a blanket is that one common thread, something someone gave to them.”

What’s your latest project?

“Right now we’re working on a national project. There’s going to be a Good Grief camp for children held in Washington D.C. and they’ve asked our Binky Patrol for 500 blankets. We’re at 410 now, so we’re looking for about 90 more to fill the need. We have to ship by May 10. But even if we get too many, we will donate them locally.”

How can people get involved?

“A lot of quilters and crocheters don’t realize that if they give us a receipt for their materials, they can write off a donation on their taxes. It’s a way to support their habit. I also normally get a lot of blankets left on my doorstep. People can also help by donating materials. Cash is difficult, so we like gift cards to Jo-Ann, Beverly’s or even Wal-Mart. And it’s tax-deductible. They can call me at (916) 276-3537 or send the cards with a return address to our chapter – my address – at 176 Dacia Court, Lincoln, CA 95648.”

How would you describe yourself?

“I’m very artsy-crafty. I love hobbies, love giving back to children. It’s funny because I’m not the best (at making quilts), but people will say, ‘Can you make one for my child?’ and I say, ‘No, I only donate them.’”

What do you do for fun?

“I have a small eBay business – it’s a little hobby on the side. I like to spend my time with my son. With him being 11 years old and me working full-time, I like to hang with him as much as I can.”

How long have you lived in Lincoln, and what attracted you here?

“I’ve been here since May 2003. I came from San Jose and I was ready for a life change and a smaller community. I also had family moving here at the same time. I’ve never regretted it – it’s such a great town.”

If you could change anything in your life, what would it be?

“My commute is almost 50 minutes long, so I would have a smaller commute and more time for family and hobby.”