A group of seven older women display colorful quilts in a large room with wooden decor. They smile at the camera, showcasing a variety of quilt patterns and colors. Some quilts are draped over a table in front, highlighting intricate designs.
Pictured seated is quilter Dee Wyatt. Accepting the donation and pictured from left is Patty Casterton with quilters Judy Shuros, Carol Maki, Emma Thompson and Sue Darling.

Big Canoe Lutheran Church WELCA Hands of Hope committee recently donated quilts to Aase Haugen for residents of the nursing home. “We’re happy to donate to the residents if will help bring them comfort and make them happy,” says Sue Darling. “Our group made over 1,100 quilts and donated them to various organizations over the past two and half years.” Many have benefited from their gifts of quilts, including, area nursing homes, hospice agencies, Helping Services, local fundraisers and benefits for local families, food closets, and hospital OB units. They also donate quilts to several other locations across the United States, such as Montana Family fire victims, Pine Ridge Reservation near the Badlands, Global Health Ministries, Bremwood Youth Center in Waverly, and Lutheran World Relief. In addition, the young members of Big Canoe are given a quilt at baptism and another when they graduate high school. “We like to find out what the graduates are interested in and then we make them something special,” says Dee Wyatt.

The material used to make the quilts is donated from area businesses and individuals and from across the nation. “We receive donated fabric from a network that covers about 17 states,” says Emma Thompson. “And we are grateful for the Thriven Dollars which help us purchase batting and other supplies and the the Depot Outlet and others who donate fabric.” Meeting each week, this talented group goes about their endless cycle of creating and giving. Nothing goes to waste, even the scraps are given to make rag rugs. “We use every bit of what is given to us if we can,” says Judy Shuros. The members of this group not only donate their time and materials, they also donate the costs to travel to deliver the quilts to their new homes. “We enjoy getting together to make the quilts and it’s a good feeling to do something for others,” says Carol Maki.

“We are so grateful for talent and resourcefulness of this group of women,” says Patty Casterton, Aase Haugen vice president for business development. “A gift like this is not only comforting with warmth, but it is emotionally touching to know someone cares about your wellbeing.”

Isaiah 40:1 says, “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.” The women of Big Canoe Church Hands of Hope are living this message with their recent donation of comfort quilts for the residents of Aase Haugen Homes. The group has created and given more than 1,100 quilts in the past two and half years to benefit local people and families and nationally and internationally to help those in need.

Posted August 29, 2024 in Contributions
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