Everything You Need to Know About Quilts of Valor
If you’re searching for “quiltsofvalor”, you’ve likely come across this organization and have some questions. Quilts of Valor is a national non-profit group that aims to cover wartime service members and veterans touched by war with comforting quilts. Let me provide some answers to help understand their mission and impact.
What is the history of Quilts of Valor?
The Quilts of Valor foundation was started in 2003 by Blue Star mom Catherine Roberts after she realized many returning veterans did not feel appreciated for their wartime service. From my experience volunteering with veteran organizations, Catherine observed how the simple gesture of a thoughtful handmade quilt could offer wounded troops both warmness and encouragement.
She launched the nonprofit to unite quilters across America in this purpose. Since then, volunteer “Quilt Coordinators” have organized local quilting groups to make custom quilts that are awarded in ceremonies honoring the recipients. Over 251,000 quilts have been long-arm or machine quilted by foundation members and donated to servicemembers and vets.
Who do Quilts of Valor go to?
Any active duty or veteran U.S. servicemember who has been touched by war is eligible to receive this patriotic quilt recognition. This includes those who served during periods of conflict from World War II onwards. Many recipients are combat veterans with physical or invisible wounds, but the foundation also seeks to acknowledge all service members for their sacrifices.
Quilts are presented to retirees, those recovering at VA hospitals, and even Gold Star families of the fallen. The goal is for every qualifying servicemember or vet to eventually “be wrapped in the warmth of a quilt made by the hands of a grateful American.” Local presentation ceremonies often become moving community events to show support.
Who makes the Quilts of Valor?
- Thousands of volunteers from all 50 states participate in the Quilts of Valor nonprofit. Many are members of quilt guilds or individual quilters seeking a greater purpose for their craft.
- Volunteers use their fabric and quilting skills to design and stitch lap size quilts that are durable, warm, and commemorative of military service. Popular patterns include patriotic stars and stripes, emblems of individual branches, or landscapes representing where recipients served.
- Completed quilts are entitled with a label including the maker’s name and dedication message of gratitude. They are shipped from individuals to Quilts of Valor affiliates across America for presentation to deserving veterans.
The foundation coordinates this huge grassroots effort to meet their goal of quilting every servicemember and veteran touched by war. In my experience volunteering, I’ve seen how quilting allows many to personally pay tribute to those who’ve served our country.
What events does Quilts of Valor hold?
Throughout the year, local Quilts of Valor affiliates organize public ceremonies to recognize groups of veterans or servicemembers with their prepared quilt awards. These “Quilt Presentation Ceremonies” often take place during patriotic holidays or military appreciation events.
Veteran recipients and their families are invited to accept their specially made quilts in front of friends, elected leaders, and the wider community. Short biographies are read about each individual’s service, and they receive a standing ovation. Presentations have taken on additional meaning for many vets in need of public thanks after their deployments.
Quilts of Valor’s reach extends far beyond the quilts themselves – it brings people together from all walks of life to acknowledge those who served our nation in turbulent times. The ceremonies can be quite an emotional experience for recipients and onlookers alike. It’s heartwarming to see a room full of people expressing their deep respect and admiration.
Do Quilts of Valor accept donations?
While volunteers freely contribute their fabric, time, and quilting efforts, Quilts of Valor relies on public funding to operate this national network. Monetary donations help with costs like long-arm machine quilting, bulk fabric purchases, event supplies, postage for shipping finished quilts, and the foundation’s administrative needs.
Individuals, businesses, schools and even churches provide annual financial support. Quilters sometimes host penny socials, garage sales or raffles to raise money for QOVs causes. Grants from corporate donors and veterans service organizations make it possible for this small nonprofit to continue their important work on a mass scale.
Every dollar truly makes a difference by keeping more patriotic quilts moving into the hands of those the organization seeks to warm and honor. To donate online or find out how to get locally involved with your nearest Quilts of Valor affiliate, visit their extensive website.
In summary, Quilts of Valor serves as an inspiring nationwide effort to utilize home crafting skills to aid military healing and show gratitude. What started as one woman’s mission of comfort has grown into a key way communities embrace veterans through handmade gifts of thanks. Whether donating funds or quilting time, all can contribute to wrapping servicemembers in this patriotic patchwork of remembrance and respect.
Key Facts About Quilts of Valor Recipients and Eligibility
| Recipient Type | Branch of Service | Service Era | Minimum Service Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veterans | All branches of the U.S. Armed Forces | World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, War on Terror | None required, but service member must have been impacted by their service (e.g. deployed to a conflict zone) |
| Family members | N/A | N/A | Family member of a service member who has been impacted by their loved one’s service. |
| First responders | N/A | September 11th, 2001 or after | First responders who were involved in response efforts during or after the September 11 attacks. |
| Gold Star families | All branches | Any era | Family of a fallen service member, regardless of cause of death or time of service. |
FAQ
- What are Quilts of Valor?
- Who makes Quilts of Valor?
- Why are they called Quilts of Valor?
- How can I request a Quilt of Valor?
- Who is eligible to receive a Quilt of Valor?
- How can I help support Quilts of Valor?
- Does the program have any critics?
Quilts of Valor are handmade quilts that are awarded to service members and veterans to honor their service. The goal is to cover all US service members touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.
Volunteer quilters from all over the country create Quilts of Valor. Basically, anyone can join the cause – from experienced quilters to those just learning to sew. Together they have made over 250,000 quilts so far!
Good question! The quilts are meant to both cover and comfort recipients. Also, “valor” recognizes the brave acts of service members. So the name ties together the practical and emotional purposes of the quilts nicely.
Vets or active military can request quilts through the Quilts of Valor website. Just fill out a short form telling your branch and when/where you served. Then amazing volunteers will get to work long-arm quilting one with care for you!
Any service member who has been touched by war is eligible – whether still serving or a veteran. This includes those who saw combat duty, were wounded,served during wartime, or in peacetime.
There are quite a few ways you can help out! Options include donating fabric or batting, volunteering to sew quilts, handling quilt kit assembly or distribution, and of course financial contributions toward supplies are much appreciated. You can also help spread awareness of the wonderful program through social media.
While most seem to think Quilts of Valor is a heartwarming project, a few argue it promotes militarism rather than peace. However, the founders insist their goal is simply to honor and comfort veterans for their sacrifice, not make any political statements. At the same time, grateful recipients say the quilts offer real healing. So reasonable people can disagree on this perhaps.