Quilts donated to veterans, others in need

BARTO >> Members of Christ Lutheran Church of Niantic have completed and distributed 250 bed-sized patchwork quilts during 2018.

Under the leadership of Johanna Benner and Chershe Derr, tops were made and then fillers and backers sewn together. Many people of the church enjoyed knotting the almost finished quilts. The beautiful, completed quilts are then presented in the church for blessing and dedication. Other members helped pack them for the trip to their final destination.

Coatesville Veterans Center received 115 quilts. Spring City Veterans Center received 21 quilts. Twentyeight quilts were distributed by the youth of St. Luke’s, Obelisk, on their mission trip to Rochester, N.Y. Spring City Veterans Center requested and received 80 wheelchair bags. The balance of the quilts was given to local veterans.

Johanna and Jim Benner delivered 65 quilts to New Windsor, Md., where Lutheran World Relief and Church World Service pack and distribute them to those in need throughout the world. Eighteen quilts were sent to Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota, with the help of New Goshenhoppen U.C.C. Their church also donated materials for the quilters to use.

A Thrivent Action Team grant helped with supplies, tools and material. Local thrift shops, Jakes Flea Market and donations from friends and church members made significant contributions of material, sheets, blankets, and tablecloths. John and Barb Turner donated many bags and bags of beautiful material and quilt kits that were much appreciated.

While 250 quilts is a huge undertaking, an old expression by John Heywood was so true for this congregation: “Many hands make light work.”

The church is located at 222 Niantic Road, near Barto.