Local Sewing Guild Delivers 537 Quilts to Veteran's for Christmas

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Medford, Oregon Chapter of the American Sewing Guild delivered the VETERAN'S QUILTS December 15th.

About 20 people showed up at Fasturn Junction to make a brigade to load the quilts into the National Guard (2) trucks. Then we convoyed out to the Rehab Center in White City.

We had another brigade to unload the quilts, while the men watched. Next we started opening the bags and piling them on six tables. It really looked like quite a display when they were all piled.

The men signed in and received their tote bags with gifts, then came by to pick out a quilt they wanted. Some wanted a large quilt, some wanted a particular design (Navy, Army, southwestern, manly/fishing, etc.) and others didn't care. They were amazed at all the work done for "them." We had several "Home of the Brave" quilts. I explained to the men, who chose them; "they are the quilts that are delivered to the families of a fallen soldier." This dates back to a custom during the Civil War. The local Oregon chapter had some extras that they didn't think they would need.

These were very special quilts. Hopefully, we won't need any more and the Iraq war will be over soon!

My most surprise was the Vietnam vets really wanted the "dungaree" quilts.

These are quilts made out of jeans. They said it reminded them of what they wore in Vietnam. One lady arrived last week from Winston, OR, who had made

a bedspread out of her son's dungarees that he wore in Vietnam. She made a

quilt out of what was left over.

About 15 quilts were delivered to the infirmary. I didn't attend this group, but one of our ASG members, Josephine Savaresse and her husband delivered them. Josephine said it was very touching and one man didn't want to let go of a hug.

After the men picked up a quilt they received goodies from Harry and David - candy, cookies, apples and pears. As they passed us we wished them Merry Christmas and thanked them. They were most appreciative!

We received about 130 quilts from our ASG sisters across the country. They made it possible for us to meet our goal of 500+. We had 537 quilts/afghans for the vets. How can we ever thank you for your wonderful contributions, it wouldn't have been possible to meet our goal without your help?

Thanks so much!

Alma Gates

Medford Chapter of the American Sewing Guild

I am sewing more information, via an email letter, with pictures, about our quilt project for 2007.

Alma Gates

submitted: 1/10/2008