Honoring Veterans: Local Quilters Create Healing Quilts for Heroes
In a heartwarming show of gratitude and community, the middle Georgia chapter of Quilts of Valor spent Veterans Day sewing blankets for veterans. Carmelita Williams leads the group, aiming to provide comfort and healing to service members and veterans affected by war.
Since 2003, Quilts of Valor has distributed over 400,000 quilts. The middle Georgia chapter, formed in February, has already contributed 18 quilts.
The initiative draws people with all kinds of sewing backgrounds. They all share the same goal: honoring and supporting veterans.
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Quilts of Valor: A Mission of Comfort and Healing
Quilts of Valor’s mission is simple but meaningful—they create quilts for service members and veterans touched by war. Carmelita Williams, the group’s leader, says each quilt is made with love and care, meant to comfort its recipient.
“Our mission is to sew quilts for service members and veterans touched by war and we hope that the quilts are comforting and healing for them,” Williams says. You can hear the sincerity in her words.
History and Impact of Quilts of Valor
Quilts of Valor began in 2003 and has changed the lives of veterans across the U.S. Volunteers have handed out over 400,000 quilts, which is honestly pretty incredible.
The middle Georgia chapter started up just this year and has already finished 18 quilts, with more underway.
Community Involvement and Skill Development
The middle Georgia chapter welcomes everyone, from experienced quilters to total beginners. “We have somebody that has had a sewing machine for 21 years and never used it and we have people who are learning and we have 2 quilt of valor members from other states,” Williams shares.
This mix creates a real sense of community. It’s also a chance for people to develop their skills and maybe surprise themselves.
Learning and Growing Together
Peggy Kay, one of the participants, brought her daughter along to help with quilting. “We had a day off from school and a day off from work and I thought let’s not just lay in bed and sit on our phones. Let’s do something to honor these veterans so we came out here to learn how to make quilts and she has already gained so much knowledge!” Kay says.
Experiences like this are invaluable, especially for younger folks. They get to learn something new and pitch in for a good cause.
Honoring Veterans Through Quilting
For a lot of participants, quilting is personal. Peggy Kay’s family has a long history of military service, so this means a lot to her.
“My father, my brother, my sisters. One of my sisters was one of the original WAAC, before they allowed women to become enlisted, so I have a great loyalty and I just really honor them and wanted to find a way to honor,” Kay says. Making quilts lets her—and others—show their gratitude in a way that feels real and heartfelt.
How to Get Involved
The middle Georgia chapter of Quilts of Valor is always open to new members. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or just curious, there’s a place for you.
They also welcome fabric donations, which are essential for making the quilts. “The middle Georgia chapter of Quilts of Valor is welcoming people to join them in their mission, they also accept donation of fabric,” Williams says.
Joining the Effort
If you want to get involved, reach out to the middle Georgia chapter through their website or local community centers. It’s a great way to give back and become part of a supportive group.
Conclusion
The Quilts of Valor initiative really shows what can happen when people come together to honor veterans. Through quilting, volunteers offer comfort and a bit of healing to folks who’ve given so much for the country.
The middle Georgia chapter, led by Carmelita Williams, keeps making a difference—one quilt at a time. If you want to learn more or maybe even pitch in, check out the Quilts of Valor website.