Goodrich-They may be called ‘Ugly Quilts,? but the creations turned out by some of the women of Goodrich United Methodist Church are a beautiful sentiment.
Barbara Maki, of Goodrich, says the quilts are made from large pieces of clean bedding to create durable, portable, quilted sleeping bags for area homeless.
Three women, including Maki, started the program more than ten years ago after attending a Flint District United Methodist meeting discussing the need for the quilts.
‘We use all kinds of materials,? says Maki. ‘If we can’t get enough filling, we use old blankets.?
The quilts are 84 by 84 inches and are made from clean bedding material donated to the program by people in the community. After being transformed into sleeping bags, two neck ties are attached to the edge of the quilting, so the bag can be rolled up, tied, and easily carried, says Maki.
Since September 2006, Maki says about 15 women have produced approximately 125 of the bags, which are then distributed at no cost to the needy.
‘Now, we’ve got it down to a science,? Maki says with a smile.
The women meet almost every Monday morning ‘except in June, July and August? to make the quilts and, more importantly, to make a difference.
‘Just knowing we are helping someone (is rewarding),? says Maki. ‘Just keeping someone warm who would otherwise be cold.?
Volunteer Velma Rossman, who has been with the program since its inception at the church, agrees.
‘Just the fact that I’m helping those in need (is gratifying),? says Rossman.
Rossman, a resident of Goodrich for 60 years, adds that she looks forward to meeting with the group each Monday, where she contributes to the quilts by threading needles.
Wanda Kohan, of Goodrich, says she enjoys the fellowship of the process. Kohen has been involved with the Ugly Quilts program for about six years.
Kohan says she became involved with the group ‘to feel I was doing something,? adding with a laugh and ‘to have something to do on Monday mornings.?
‘The purpose (of the quilting group) other than just getting together and enjoying the fellowship is that we know that these people who receive the quilts are needy,? says Kohen.
Maki says she has seen people actually using the quilts, and is glad to know they are serving their intended purpose.
‘It’s something that we can do. It’s certainly still a need,? says Maki.
However, Maki says despite the faster turnout of the quilts from her group, demand seems to be increasing.
‘What’s concerning me is they are needing more, not needing less,? says Maki.
Maki says the group is always in need of additional materials’and volunteers.
‘We’re really trying to meet a need,? says Maki. ‘And so far, they haven’t told us to quit making them.?