Quilts of Valor

Over the past few years, I've noticed an increasing recognition of the Quilts of Valor program in the quilting world.  The mission is to cover all service members and veterans touched by war - quilts to honor and comfort our wounded. 

The Columbus Chapter of the Quilts of Valor program has been prolific over the past 6 years, providing more than 6,000 quilts.  One member, Alice Corya, was recently profiled in our local paper, The Republic, for her contributions.  Alice has made 150 quilts per year for the past 3 years.

The front of the sanctuary with quilts on display.  In addition to the quilts hung up front, notice the quilts draped over the stage.  Quilts were on both sides of the stage.

This past weekend was the semi-annual display of quilts and there were 199 quilts on display at the Community Church of Columbus.  The quilts adorned the sanctuary and were viewed by visitors on Friday and the congregation on Sunday.

Flossie, another of our prolific quilters, stands by one of the quilts she made.  She's well into her 90's and is still turning out several quilts a week.

Quilts were hung from the balcony, draped over room dividers and hung along the side walls of the sanctuary.  Kathy (red shirt) is the coordinator of the Columbus group and Ken (back to camera) is one of the quilters.  Several other quilters from the group come to see the quilts hung.  It's fun to see them hung and they certainly look different than when you see them one at a time.

Yesterday, we took down the quilts, folded them and inserted the letters that go in the pocket sewed on the back of every quilt.  The letters express our appreciation to our service members and talk about the loving care that is put into each quilt in the hopes it provides a measure of comfort.

The quilts run the gamut from traditional to contemporary with fabrics to match.  There are also a great number of patriotic quilts in red, white and blue. 

Quilts from this group are headed to VA Hospitals in Albuquerque, NM, and Marion, IN, where they'll be given to wounded service members.

If you know of a wounded service member who would benefit from receiving a quilt, contact either the Quilts of Valor program through their web site or let me know and I'll forward the information to the appropriate personnel.  If they are in the Columbus area, we would love to give it to them in person and express our appreciation for their service.

Cheers!
Margaret