Two Manteca quilters are piecing together a patriotic-themed quilt to help the Manteca soldier who was seriously injured in a drunken driving crash on Jan. 1.

Sandra Newcomb, who has done several quilt projects through the years for community philanthropic projects, along with Jennifer DeLong are working together to produce the 96”x65” 3-D American flag red, white and blue quilted blanket. When completed, the original piece will be displayed at Ladybug Quilts on North Main Street in Manteca where donations will be accepted for a chance to win the quilt. Materials and the design were donated by Newcomb, and the batting was provided by DeLong who is also donating her time and talent in doing the quilting. Both are members of the Manteca Quilters Guild; DeLong was vice president of the non-profit organization last year.

Newcomb said she and Delong are doing this project “to try to help (Cargill) out. He’s going to have a lot of rehabilitation.” DeLong is a neighbor of the Cargill family.

The Sierra High School graduate had been home on a two-week leave after serving two tours in Iraq and was getting ready to his next orders to leave for Afghanistan after a scheduled training at Fort Irwin when the accident happened. He was broadsided by a pickup truck driven by a 24-year-old who was allegedly driving under the influence at 2 o’clock in the morning Jan. 1 at the Airport Way and Woodward Avenue intersection.  The soldier sustained life-threatening injuries that included a broken neck and was in a coma for several days.

A Go Fund account online was opened to assist the Army soldier’s recovery from his injuries. A $5,000 donation made by Manteca Ford owner Phil Waterford, in conjunction with Place of Refuge allowed the fund-raising effort to reach the $10,000 goal. Cargill will receive neurological care and other treatment from the Army; the funds raised are designed to help with expenses that won’t be covered by the military.