Volunteers Award Handmade Quilts to Veterans

Lander Quilts of Valor, a small group of volunteer quilters, have awarded more than 1,000 handmade quilts to nominated veterans in Fremont County. For many of these veterans, the quilt is the first public recognition of their service and sacrifice. Typically, the group relies on raffle proceeds to cover the cost of supplies such as cotton, batting, thread, and sewing machines, but COVID-19 hampered fundraising efforts, leaving the group unable to secure materials for more than 100 quilts. When one Lander local approached LOR with a request for help, part of the solution included developing a plan to build out a broader, more sustainable fundraising strategy for the all-volunteer organization. In addition to providing one-time funding to cover the cost of supplies for 134 quilts (which would be awarded at the local Veterans Day ceremony), LOR was also able to connect volunteers with resources to solicit donations and find reliable philanthropic channels in Fremont County. The project gave Lander Quilts of Valor the tools it needed to continue creating and awarding beautiful handmade quilts that honor the sacrifice of Lander’s many veterans.