Supporting Veterans: Local Quilts of Valor Joins National Sew Day
The Quilts of Valor organization, started by Catherine Roberts in 2003, has brought hope and comfort to veterans across the United States. Roberts, inspired by a dream while her son served in Iraq, wanted to help veterans cope with the aftermath of war by giving them handmade quilts.
Since its beginning, the organization has grown a lot. Volunteers have made over 400,000 quilts so far.
The Georgia-Alabama Stateline Quilts of Valor chapter is one of many local groups lending their hands to this mission. They’re gearing up to join National Sew Day on February 7, an event that aims to get more people involved and spread the word.
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The Birth of Quilts of Valor
This whole movement began with a mother’s worry for her son. Catherine Roberts, anxious about her son Nat while he was deployed, had a dream that changed everything.
In her dream, a young man sat awake at night, haunted by memories of war. That image pushed Roberts to gather a quilting group to comfort veterans with handmade quilts.
From Humble Beginnings to National Impact
At first, Roberts and her small group took a couple of years to make their first 100 quilts. But as more people heard about their work, new quilting groups popped up, and the number of quilts soared.
Now, Quilts of Valor is a national nonprofit, and those quilts have reached hundreds of thousands of veterans.
The Georgia-Alabama Stateline Chapter
The Georgia-Alabama Stateline Quilts of Valor chapter is made up of volunteers who sew quilts for veterans in the Chattahoochee Valley. They don’t get any financial support from the national group; they just want to honor local veterans.
A Community of Volunteers
Members include Debra Alexander, Angela Maddux, Shirley Welch, Jennifer Siggers, Carol Cofield, Amy Combs, Dot Nichols, Connie Nixon, De Shealey, Kathy Robinson, Patty Malone, Bonnye Campbell, Sunny Pedigo, Selva Shulz, and Teresa Bookwalter. Alexander describes the group as a family of sisters who want to show their appreciation for veterans—especially Vietnam veterans, who get special recognition.
National Sew Day: A Day of Unity and Awareness
The chapter will take part in National Sew Day on February 7, starting at 9 a.m. at Shawmut Methodist Church, 2301 31st St., Valley. The event hopes to get more people interested in Quilts of Valor and to encourage them to join in.
Activities and Participation
During National Sew Day, the group will work on the National Quilt Block of the Year. The national organization provides the pattern for this project.
These blocks will be sent out to groups that need them and kept locally as well. Alexander points out that you don’t need any sewing experience to join in.
Besides the main quilt blocks, the group will have easy starter projects like simple patterns and pillowcases that go with the quilts.
Non-Sewing Tasks
If sewing’s not your thing but you still want to help, there are plenty of other ways to pitch in, like:
- Cutting fabric
- Counting pieces
- Ironing
- Folding quilts
Alexander encourages everyone to come out and help, even if they’re not familiar with sewing. It’s a great way to donate time and effort, especially for folks who can’t make a financial contribution.
Event Logistics and Amenities
The chapter has set up a few things to make sure the event runs smoothly:
- Pre-cut kits for quilt blocks, tops, and pillowcases will be ready to go.
- They’ll provide machines and supplies.
- Lunch, snacks, coffee, tea, and water will be available all day.
If you want more details or have questions, you can reach out to the group by email.
Conclusion
The Quilts of Valor organization really shows how much a community can do when folks pitch in for something bigger than themselves. The Georgia-Alabama Stateline chapter keeps this going, especially during National Sew Day. People come together—some with years of quilting in their hands, others just wanting to help—and make quilts for veterans. Each quilt is a small gesture, but it means a lot.
Maybe you quilt, maybe you just want to lend a hand, or maybe you’re just curious about what goes on. National Sew Day is open to everyone who wants to join in, even if you’re not sure what you can offer. If you want more info, check out the original news article on the LaGrange News website.
So, if you’re around on February 7, think about joining the Georgia-Alabama Stateline Quilts of Valor. It’s a simple way to show veterans we see them—and honestly, it’s a pretty rewarding way to spend a day.