| Prairie
unites for Quilts of Valor
Idaho County Free Press “If you have some experience quilting and would love to share your talents, we have a spot for you,” said Cottonwood organizer Shirley Baerlocher. The Cottonwood area ladies meet every Wednesday at St. Mary's Church. “This is where the magic begins,” Baerlocher smiled “Hours of cutting, piecing and sewing start here. Come and check out the activities and see if there is a way you can help.” All of the work, including the long arm quilting, is done on a volunteer basis. Those who have a long-arm machine and would be willing to donate time, would be appreciated, the ladies said. “If you are not able to help making quilts, monetary donations are gratefully accepted toward the purchase of material,” said Kathy Warford who organizes the Quilts of Valor in the Grangeville area. “The joy of making these quilts and then presenting them to our local veterans is amazing and it is heartwarming to see the pride on the recipient’s face,” Warford said. “This is our way of saying thank you to them for protecting our country.” Presentations are made on Memorial Day and Veteran's Day in both the Grangeville and Cottonwood areas. ince 2010, we have presented 125 quilts to local veterans and, nationally, 115,000 have been presented. “We need your support and encouragement to accomplish our goals and that is to present all local veterans with a handmade quilt,” Warford added. Two fund-raisers are currently scheduled for 2015: Saturday, June 27, the third annual breakfast at the Warbirds Weekend, Grangeville Airport, will be held. In addition, a quilt will be auctioned at the Greencreek 4th of July Celebration. All proceeds from both events will benefit quilts of valor. Those who have the name of a veteran they would like to place on the list to receive a quilt or would like to make a monetary donation are invited to call: Cottonwood area including Ferdinand, Greencreek, Keuterville, Craigmont and NezPerce: Shirley Baerlocher: 962-3107. Grangeville area including Harpster, White Bird, Fenn: Kathy Warford 983-1832 There are also groups making Quilts of Valor in: Kamiah area including Kooskia, Stites and Orofino: Jean Hisaw 935-0122. Elk City area: Vickie Guthrie: 842-2544 Riggins/Lucile area: Pinehurst Quilters: 628-4261. 
Debbie Stubbers and Lynn Sonnen work on Quilts of Valor at St. Mary’s Church. Photo provided by Lorie Palmer. |
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