Quilts of Valor presented to veterans by local quilting groups

From left: Gordon Simonds (Vietnam), John Kyle (Beirut, Lebanon, Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Iraq-3 tours), David Gibbons (Desert Shield and Desert Storm), Dallas Miller (5 tours in Iraq), Russell Violette (Korea), John Thayer (WWII-Europe), Frank Verano (WWII-Pacific). Not shown: Mark Williams (Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan).

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On Feb. 17, quilters and supportive people from around Southern California gathered for the third year at Sun City Civic Association for the annual Sew Day for Quilts of Valor.

In addition to sewing quilts this year, eight Quilts of Valor were presented to deserving veterans (seven during the ceremony and one privately). Veterans of conflicts from WWII to Afghanistan were honored. It was an honor to be able to recognize these veterans for their sacrifices. Webb Hall was filled with quilters, veterans, families and friends.

The Quilts of Valor Foundation began in 2003 as a grassroots effort on the east coast to cover our troops "touched by war" with quilts after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. It all started with one mother making a quilt for her son and it has grown to a national endeavor with over 180,000 quilts being awarded to active duty personnel and veterans from all wars.

Two local clubs, Sun City Quilting Club and Hilltoppers of Winchester, have been involved in making these quilts for years. It is a labor of love, with fabric purchased by the maker or donated by those who want to help but do not sew. In Sun City, one member cuts the pieces, another sews the top, while someone else quilts the layers together. Then a final member attaches binding and a label.

Hilltoppers members each take care of all the processes for their individual quilts. Hundreds of quilts have been made by these two groups. Each quilt may cost up to $250 to make.

The finished quilts are awarded locally or sent directly to recipients if directed by our state Quilt of Valor representative at the request of the national organization. If anyone would like to request a quilt, contact Quilts of Valor at www.qovf.org. Donations may be made by cash or check. Checks should be made out to Quilts of Valor Foundation, which is a 501c3 organization. Then contact Peggy Miller at 951-943-1211 (Hilltoppers of Winchester) or Rose Rhoads at 951-301-6169 (Inland Empire Quilting Angels of Sun City) to arrange for your donation.