Quilts of Valor is a wonderful organization! I learned about it recently at a DAR meeting and was blown away on their mission and the impact they have.
Quilts of Valor has a mission to make a quilt for every veteran and service member. The process itself is fascinating and I enjoyed learning about the way they organize the work so it is done efficiently!
There are several different steps in making the quilts.
First the fabric has to be bought and cut into pattern pieces for the quilt. The theme is typically red, white, and blue. Next, the pattern pieces are organized into kits – small packages with just the right number of pieces to construct a 12 inch block along with instructions. The kits are then given to volunteers who sew the pieces together and return the blocks to QOV.
At QOV another group takes the 12 inch blocks and arrange them in a nice pattern, sewing them together. A different group takes the assembled quilt top and adds the batting and back. Binding is added and they are then sent on to be quilted.
Once completed, next up is getting them to the veterans.
Volunteers will take them to Veteran’s homes, hospitals, or even directly to their house. I heard of one instance where a group of motorcyclists goes around delivering the quilts. They cause quite a stir riding in, and they cheer a big thank you as they deliver the quilt. I do so appreciate how they celebrate those who have served!
While at the DAR meeting, the lady telling us about Quilts of Valor had quilts and kits to show us. The detailing and love put into these quilts is endearing! I love that they are doing this for our veterans!
The QOV lady, Anne, offered anyone who wanted to participate a kit or two to take home. Though this was during the holiday season and thus the busiest time of year for businesses, I took a kit so that I could participate when things slowed down a bit.
Anne told us that there was no deadline to assembling the quilts blocks. Mail them in a week or a year, it really didn’t matter, they just appreciated the help. She said that getting deliveries was her favorite part of the job. She didn’t know what quilt blocks would be coming and it was always delightful to see the different fabrics and blocks they had sent out over the years! Some of the blocks would be what they were currently working on, but others would be from years back.
Any veteran is eligible to receive a Quilt of Valor.
As I understand it, either a veteran or someone on the veteran’s behalf can request a quilt. So if you know of someone who needs one, you should definitely go to qovf.org to learn more!
Though this is a nationwide organization, South Carolina is one of the largest contributors to QOV! Since the founding of Quilts of Valor in 2003, more than a quarter million quilts have been given to our veterans!
Contributing time by sewing a block or helping in another way is a lovely way to thank our service members! Gratitude is so important, I don’t know that we can really practice it enough!
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. Visit qovf.org to learn more about Quilts of Valor!