Local Realtor Hopes to Spread Warmth This Fall by Collecting Blankets

Jill Fister, a local Coldwell Banker Realtor, is spreading warmth by leading a blanket brigade to collect gently-used, freshly-laundered and new blankets for the homeless. Fister urges people to donate now, before the weather gets unbearable for those in need.

“It’s important for people to get outside of themselves and stretch out their hand to help someone in need, or stretch out their hand if they’re in need,” she says.

Fister began helping the homeless in 2009 when she and her daughter launched Quilts for Kindness.  Quilts for Kindness helped people “who didn’t even make it in the shelters,” according to Fister.

In the years prior she has collected socks for shelters and other programs to support the local homeless.  She was taught the act of kindness early on by her mother and is now teaching her children to do the same.

“My Grandmother Lois modeled services to others to me at a very young age. She was a devout Christian and instilled this in me,” explained Fister.  “Having my own kids and teaching them benevolence was a catalyst to do the same. When mine were very young, my husband and I took our kids to serve meals at the veteran’s hall on Thanksgiving, we often stopped and bought lunch for people on the street, shared books and toys with preschools, and always participated in Christmas giving trees. Sometimes we would just happen to learn about a family in need, then shop and drop care packages on the porch. I intentionally look daily for ways to serve. Somebody always needs help. Always!”

Fister is looking for blankets, sleeping bags, quilts to be donated wherever she can find a need.

“It’s fairly easy to find a need, but I am open also to suggestions,” said Fister.

In the past her project has donated to Contra Costa County Health Services HOPE Project. She explained this project focused on people who did not make it into shelters, living on the street.

“As the evenings and mornings get cooler there are a lot of people who don’t have warm homes and don’t even have a place in a shelter.  The small comfort of a blanket makes a big difference.  You can help do small things with big love,” says Fister.

Schools, Brownie and Boy Scout troops and businesses can help by leading their own blanket brigades.  Fister encourages people to clean out their linen closets and donate blankets, comforters and sleeping bags your family doesn’t use. People can also purchase blankets at garage sales or discount stores.  Blankets can be dropped off at Fister’s office or she can pick them up from your home or school.

In the past Fister has  had Girl Scout Troops, Belshaw Elementary, Freedom High School, Delta Vista Middle School, Lamothe Dry Cleaners, and my dear childhood friend Trine Gallegos (and her daughter Sofi,) of the Contra Costa Times, helping get the word out and collecting with me. She also had one young student from Delta Vista Middle School in Oakley even crochet a blanket to donate the last time around. Other kids brought their spare change into school and blankets were purchased with the help of team teachers Jennifer Hays and Lori Melgoza. The ripple effect of generosity is enormous.

Coldwell Banker Guidance Realty is supporting this mission. The front desk will assist in collecting the blankets and putting them in my office if Im out in the field.

If you’d like to become involved or schedule a pick up; Fister can be reached at 925.765.5701 or via email at [email protected]. Blankets can be dropped off at her office: Coldwell Banker Guidance Realty, 4851 Lone Tree Way, Suite B, next to Staples. http://stretchoutyourhand.net/.

Photo provided by Jill Fister

By Amy Schrader
Arts & Entertainment Editor
Email: [email protected]