Find Quilts of Valor Groups Near You – Local Quilt Projects Honoring Veterans

Everything You Need to Know About Quilts of Valor in Your Local Area

Perhaps you’ve heard about the Quilts of Valor Foundation and are curious to learn more, or want to get involved in this meaningful cause. This article will provide an overview of the organization and answer common questions about how to find Quilts of Valor being presented or donated near you.

What is the Quilts of Valor Foundation?

1. The Quilts of Valor Foundation is a nationwide nonprofit organization that aims to provide comfort and healing through the gift of handmade quilts to service members and veterans who have been touched by war.
2. The foundation was started in 2003 after quiltmaker Catherine Roberts realized that many returning veterans had no outward signs or ceremonies to acknowledge their service and sacrifice. She began making quilts to give to injured servicemen as a way to say “thank you for your service and sacrifice in serving our nation.”
3. Since then, the organization has grown exponentially, with over 250,000 quilts awarded so far. All 50 U.S. states and several other countries now have local Quilts of Valor sewing groups that come together to make these simple yet meaningful quilts.

How Can I Find Quilt Presentations Near Me?

The foundation maintains an online database where you can search for upcoming Quilt of Valor presentation ceremonies in your area. From my experience browsing this database, presentations are usually held at local veterans centers, libraries, churches or community centers. Here are the basic steps:

1. Go to www.qovf.org and click on the “Find a Presentation” tab at the top of the page.
2. Enter your ZIP code or city/state and specify how far you want to search (within 25, 50 or 100 miles).
3. A list of upcoming presentations in your vicinity will appear, along with details like location, date, time and the number of veterans being honored.
4. You’re welcome to attend as an observer to witness the moving ceremony and show of gratitude.

Who is Eligible to Receive a Quilt?

Any service member or veteran touched by war is eligible to receive a Quilt of Valor, regardless of rank, era served, or connection to military service. This can include those currently serving in conflicts abroad or veterans who served during times of war or conflict from WWII to present-day missions. Recipients are chosen based on need for comfort or healing. So basically anyone who sacrificed for our country may qualify.

How Can I Get Involved with Local Quilting Groups?

If you enjoy sewing or quilting and want to directly contribute your skills, getting involved with a local Quilts of Valor sewing group is rewarding. Here are some options to look into:

1. Check the QOV website again for registered sewing groups in your general area. They’re always seeking new members.
2. Ask at your local quilt or fabric shop – many have bulletin boards advertising such community service groups.
3. Do an online search for terms like “Quilts of Valor group [your city or region]” and relevant Facebook groups may pop up.
4. You don’t need to be an expert quilter. Many welcome all skill levels and have leadership to guide projects. It’s about sharing the gift.

From my experience volunteering, the camaraderie and seeing the impact of your work makes it deeply gratifying. Plus you get to learn new skills while supporting an amazing cause.

Additional Ways to Get Involved If Not a Sewer

Not everyone can sew, but there are still worthwhile ways you can contribute locally without quilting skills:

1. Donate fabric, thread, batting or other quilting supplies groups always need.
2. Help with quilt-related tasks like labeling or quality control checks.
3. Assist with event coordination like presentation ceremonies.
4. Help organize fabric or completed quilt donations for shipping to veteran hospitals.
5. Spread awareness on social media to also honor recipients in a virtual way.

Even the smallest assist can make a difference. The foundation relies on a nationwide network of volunteers, so whatever skills you offer are appreciated.

In Closing

Whether you want to honor a veteran personally, get involved in quilting, or simply learn more about this remarkable organization, I hope this guide has provided some direction on how to connect with Quilts of Valor activities in your local community. It’s inspiring how a passion for sewing can become a avenue for sharing gratitude during difficult times. Next time you see a Quilt of Valor ceremony taking place, I recommend attending if your schedule permits – you may leave feeling motivated to help in your own way. Together we can continue wrapping our deserving veterans in comfort through the gift of handmade quilts.

Quilts of Valor Near Me

FAQ

1. What is a Quilt of Valor?

   A Quilt of Valor is basically a handmade blanket that is awarded to a military service member or veteran to honor their service. These quilts are made by volunteers all across the country as a way to show appreciation for those who served.

   

2. How can I get involved with making Quilts of Valor?

   If you want to help make quilts to honor veterans, check out the Quilts of Valor Foundation website at www.qovf.org. On there you’ll find info about volunteering with a local quilting group that participates. You don’t gotta be an expert quilter either – some folks just tie quilts or help with other tasks. It’s sort of like a community effort.

3. Are there any Quilt of Valor groups near me?

   To find quilt groups close to you that make Quilts of Valor, the Foundation website has a tool to search by zip code. You can discover if there’s a chapter in your area and get their contact info. Heck, maybe they’d enjoy an extra helping hand! You never know until you check it out.

4. How are veterans chosen to receive a Quilt of Valor?

   Veterans are nominated by folks in their community – friends, family members, other vets, healthcare providers. Basically anyone can submit a nomination form available on the QOV website or through local Quilt of Valor groups. The goal is to award quilts to those dealing with trauma, wounds, and the sometimes awful struggles of returning from service overseas or in other locations. At the same time, many are also given in appreciation to honor someone’s service.

   

5. What other ways can I support Quilts of Valor?

   Even if you don’t have time to sew, there are still invaluable ways to help out the Quilts of Valor cause. You could help with administrative tasks for local groups like answering phones or managing emails. Or maybe donate quilting supplies that chapters are in need of. Another idea is to spread the word through social media about their mission. If we all pitch in somehow, more service members will receivethese stunning quilts of gratitude and honor. Is that fair?

6. Will making Quilts of Valor really make a difference?

   When you stop and think about it, the act of creating something with your own hands to comfort and recognize someone who freely gave so much for our country – it’s awe-inspiring. Quilters have awarded over 250,000 Quilts of Valor already! Maybe it’s the thought and appreciation behind each quilt that helps the most. I heard a veteran say the quilt will always remind her that she’s not alone. So in that sense, yeah the quilts likely do make an amazing difference for those who receive them. What do you think – is it worth it?