Deadline nears for Operation Quilts, volunteers still needed
By Patrick McDonough
Argus Observer
Tuesday, July 27, 2010 10:39 AM PDT
Ontario — As deployment nears for local area National Guard troops, Operation Quilts is looking for assistance in supplying quilts and other hand-made items for soldiers leaving home.
The main goal of the group is to create 300 quilts by mid-August. Judy Carothers, who has been involved with the program since its inception in Merrill, Ore., on Sept. 12, 2001, said the group has reached the halfway point of its goal and is seeking volunteers.
“Right now we have 150 quilts,” Carothers said. “Our deadline is Aug. 10. The soldiers will be holding a ceremony on Aug. 18, and once we have the quilts we need to make other preparations before giving the quilts to them.”
Carothers said there are many ways to help with the efforts. She said there was a need for people to make labels, cut material for the quilts, iron and tie the quilts as well as sewing.
“We also need other items,” she said. “We have patterns for helmet liners, scarves and dog-bone pillows, so we need knitters and crocheters and anyone who just wants to help.”
Carothers said that among the projects are blankets for wounded veterans as well as blankets for the children of veterans and families of fallen veterans.
She said anyone could sponsor a quilt for $40 and any donations were welcome, including donations of any type of fabric.
Many local groups are involved in the efforts and also welcome volunteers. Ontario First Church of the Nazarene is hosting a quilt-making event from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 4 and Aug. 5. The group asks attendees to bring portable sewing machines with extension cords, irons, scissors and a sack lunch or snacks. For more information on this event, call Carolyn at (208) 642-4192.
Treasure Valley Connection and Stonecroft Ministries will host a Girls Night Out event at 6 p.m. Aug. 3 at the Sizzler in Ontario. The event will emphasize the need for quilts and will feature finished quilts for viewing. For more information on this event, call Margaret at (541) 889-0087.
Carothers said the quilts must meet military specifications, and kits for the quilts are available at Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida as well as Nita’s Sewing Center in Ontario.
Carothers said she has received many letters and comments of appreciation from troops. Operation Quilts, she said, was about showing soldiers they are not forgotten.
“This is all about letting the soldiers know they are absolutely being supported at home. It is not political whatsoever. It is just America’s moms doing something nice to let these soldiers know they are appreciated for their sacrifices.”
For more information on Operation Quilts, contact Carothers at (541) 473-4066 or the VAOI (541) 889-1978.
