A total of 26 quilts were made by the Stitchers for this charity project. While two quilts were made specifically for two of the residents, Dave Prather and Lola Bradshaw, each of the other quilts was held up for display and any resident was free to claim it. Two of the quilts were especially appropriate for military veterans.
The Stitchers group was founded in 2005, and members meet every Tuesday evening at Kilowatt Korner. This particular project began in January with each member making one or more quilts.
Led by Jan Keller, who one member referred to as “our awesome leader,” other members include Kitty Caulfield, Barbara Phelan, Viney Bowman, Penny Brown, Stephanie Oldland, Andrea Lopez, Connie Hughes, Donna Collins, Lori Farris, Pat Sheeran-Daggett, Peggy Shults and Linda Jones. While not all members were present, there are about 18 total, Keller said.
“We have had some ladies move, but it always seems like more come, and our numbers stay about the same,” she said.
The group also makes quilts for hospice patients.
“Every patient who goes through HopeWest receives a quilt,” Keller said. Headquartered in Grand Junction, HopeWest recently joined with Pioneer’s Medical Center to provide services here in Meeker. Some of the Stitchers members also volunteer for hospice care.
“Quilting is our passion, and that’s what we do,” Keller said.
And as a result, many a “thank you” was heard from the residents.
