East Cobb Quilters’ Guild is proud of its long history of community service. Its members freely give their time and energy to create quilts, placemats, Beads of Courage bags, and pillowcases for donation to area charities. Often gathering in small groups to sew, members also benefit from the friendships that develop and deepen while these projects are created. This year they exceeded their original goal of 1,250 by almost 200% creating a total of 2,430 items.
“Our members use their love of quilting and sewing to share these items with others in our community. Even though we do not know them personally, we feel a connection to each of the recipients through our community partners outreach,” commented Caroline Benefield, president of the East Cobb Quilters’ Guild.
In 2023, the Guild donated a total of 2,430 items to local organizations, an almost 100% increase compared to 2022. Donated items included: 344 quilts for Cobb County DFCS, for children who have been taken into foster care; 737 pillowcases for Ryan’s Case for Smiles, for children in hospitals in the Atlanta area and around the state of Georgia; and 524 placemats for Cobb County Meals on Wheels, for older adults and disabled individuals who receive home meal delivery. A new recipient this year is Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The Guild has made and is donating 825 Beads of Courage bags to give to their patients who are coping with serious illnesses.
“Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has been incredibly blessed by the beautiful Beads of Courage bags made by the East Cobb Quilters’ Guild. Members use their talents and favorite fabrics to create bags for the beads our cancer patients “earn” – whether the beads are from chemo treatments, blood draws, or other types of tests. Our precious patients hold tight to the beads and the bags. They give them strength, encouragement, and hope. That is what it is all about – HOPE! We are very grateful!” stated Pam Younker, community development officer, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
About East Cobb Quilters’ Guild
Since its founding in 1982, the East Cobb Quilters’ Guild has promoted and perpetuated the art of quilting and fostered community goodwill. There are more than 340 members from throughout the greater Atlanta metropolitan area and beyond. The guild meets monthly and sponsors lectures, workshops, and exhibits that educate members and the community about quilting and encourage the highest standards in design and techniques. Every two years they produce Georgia Celebrates Quilts® – the state’s largest judged and juried quilt show – set for June 6 – 8, 2024 at the Cobb County Civic Center. In the months leading up to the show the guild will present “Quilts on Display” with quilt exhibits at four regional libraries, the main library, and three arts centers. Additionally, the guild contributes hundreds of quilts, placemats, Beads of Courage bags and pillowcases to nonprofit organizations. For additional information about the guild: www.ecqg.com; community service: ecqg.com/community-service; and the show: georgiacelebratesquilts.com.
