Service Projects

Quilts of Valor

The mission of the QOV Foundation is to cover ALL war wounded and injured servicemembers and veterans from the War on Terror whether physical and/or psychological wounds with Wartime Quilts called Quilts of Valor.

Members of Quintessential Quilter's spend time at our annual retreat, under the leadership of Janet White, constructing blocks to create Quilts of Valor. In addition to that, this year we will set aside one day, February 13, 2010 - a 'SUPER SEW" - to donate to this cause! Details to follow!

A letter from Sergeant MC about his quilt -

"I received my quilt this past Sunday, April 20, at a ceremony held at Independence Hall in Wheeling, WV. There were 12 veterans honored with quilts that day. US Senator Jay Rockefeller presented the quilts to us. It was a very beautiful and touching ceremony.

As for what my quilt means to me...

Any event like the one on Sunday is a very emotionally charged one for veterans. It brings back memories of your tour of duty. I received the Purple Heart because of injuries while in Iraq. But the presentation of the quilt hit me hard.

I think that what really moved me about the quilt was the personal touch. My quilt isn't another military medal to be placed in a box and sat on my shelf, but something that was given to me by a woman that I may never have the pleasure of meeting, just because she cared. A lot of times veterans don't receive the recognition that we deserve. I was moved to tears on Sunday.

The time and the energy that went into making the quilt makes it extra special to me. And the fact that it is something that I can enjoy for years to come and then pass on to my children and then to my grandchildren... it is a gift that will continue to bring comfort for years and generations to come. And it was all because a fellow American cared.

Along with physical injuries, I also suffer from PTSD. It's the love and warmth that went into every stitch of my quilt that brings me comfort. My girlfriend says that it's like a big hug from a friend that I can always rely on. I wish that I could better put into words what it meant to me. I would appreciate any help that you can give in finding Ms. VE. I just want to tell her thank you. She enclosed a handwritten card and the picture with the quilt, which I thought was very nice. The quilt was one of the nicest tributes to my service that I will ever receive. I admire you and all of those who have joined you. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart."

Choices

The membership of Quintessential Quilters supports "Choices Eliminating Domestic Violence", an organization serving Franklin County by providing counseling and shelter to women and children who are victims of domestic abuse. Choices opened their doors in October 1977. They have 34 beds, but no one is ever turned away. They serve 700-800 individuals annually. They receive some of their funding from the United Way, a portion of the marriage license and divorce fee, fund raisers, and from donations. QQ has been supporting this organization since 1994 by providing quilts and other donated items, primarily paper goods and cleaning supplies for the shelter.

Some of the items on the Choices Wish List are powdered laundry detergent, toilet paper, paper towels, large garbage bags, liquid hand soap, dish soap, Febreeze, silverware, plastic cups, new women's socks, underwear, bras, regular size deodorants, toothpaste, feminine hygiene items, African-American hair care products and flip-flops.

Another way in which QQ can help is by bringing in paper products or cleaning supplies to the monthly meetings. What we will be collecting for the month will be published in the newsletter.

The Choices project is on a volunteer basis. If you have any questions, feel free to call either Jamie Phillips or Wendy Bynner.