Navy Veteran George* worked at a local business. He quietly did his job and kept to himself. His former battalion met for yearly reunions on the east coast, but George did not attend. One year at a reunion the battalion members were set to receive patriotic quilts in recognition and gratitude for their military service.
Quilts of Valor, the organization awarding the quilts to George’s battalion, has groups across the country, including one in Northwest Indiana. Not wanting George to miss out, someone contacted the local group, String-A-Long Stars & Stripes, to see if George could be awarded one as well. The quilters went to work and completed a quilt for George. One of the group members read a speech recognizing and thanking George for his service. They welcomed him home and awarded the quilt to him.
Receiving the quilt and being recognized for his service unlocked something within George. He showed the quilt off to others around work and interacted with people in a way he hadn’t before.
“This is personally rewarding,” shared Flo Schneider, the local group leader. “An emotion comes over you when you hear their stories. They signed their name on the dotted line to serve our country.” String-A-Long Stars & Stripes has awarded over 800 quilts over the last eleven years. Through the comforting gift of a quilt, the group recognizes the service of local veterans like George.
Your philanthropic gifts to the Porter County Community Foundation provided batting and fabric through a Community Fund grant. Thank you for being a part of this comforting work provided by quilters in our community.
*Name changed to protect confidentiality.
