Posted on 12/02/2017 4:46:46 AM PST by SandRat
SIERRA VISTA — For more than 20 years a group of women — most of them members of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sierra Vista — have been making lap covers for hospitalized veterans.
On Dec. 4, about 20 members of the group — The Crafty Ladies of Immanuel — will travel to the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (hospital) in Tucson to present veterans with 175 lap covers. Some are knitted, some crocheted and others are machine sewn. The women also make body covers, sewn in patriotic colors and used to cover veterans who have died while hospitalized.
“If a veteran passes away at the VA Hospital, we have hand-sewn body covers that are placed over the deceased veteran when he or she is removed from the unit,” said Lu Del Livingston, one of the women who has been sewing covers and blankets with the group for five years now. “We make these for all branches of service. We feel it’s much more personal than covering them with a sheet when they’re being moved from the unit,” Livingston said.
The body covers are then given to the deceased veteran’s family.
“It’s our way of honoring the veteran and showing our appreciation to their service and sacrifice,” said Sue Roquet, a long-time Crafty Ladies member and president of the group.
On Nov. 19, the lap and body covers were on display at Immanuel Lutheran Church for the congregation to view.
Kenneth Schaffe, a master sergeant stationed on Fort Huachuca, was among those admiring the vast collection.
“I came to this area from Kerrville, Texas where I was a member of the VFW and very involved with the VA Hospital in that area,” he said. “I really admire these women for the hard work they put into this project. It’s a wonderful tribute to our veterans and I’m sure they are deeply moved when they receive one of these handmade gifts. As a member of the military, I appreciate what these women are doing.”
tephanie and Timothy Starnes, both veterans, echoed his comments.
“I think it’s wonderful that these women do this,” Stephanie said. “The covers are beautifully done and show a tremendous amount of time and effort.”
While items for veterans are the group’s primary focus, the women also make blankets for church members who are ill, or have been going through tough times.
“We gave a cover to Pastor Arlo Janssen, who is a retired Lutheran pastor and very cherished by our congregation,” said Roquet. “He has been through some medical issues and was very pleased.”
Babies that are baptized at the church receive a baby blanket, something the parents cherish, Roquet said.
The women meet every other Monday and work year round on the project.
“It has become a passion,” said Roquet. “When we started, there were six of us and we met in different host homes where we stored the materials for our projects in big totes.”
The women now meet at the church and the materials are now stored in a room specifically for their project.
“We all have become good friends and have developed a close fellowship,” said Livingston. “My father was a veteran and I just know that if someone had taken the time to make one of these for him, it would have meant a great deal to him.”
And that’s exactly why the women are so dedicated to the project.
“Knowing that we can do something to make a difference for our veterans is important to all of us,” said Roquet. “When you see their faces, the smiles and how grateful they are, it’s heartwarming.”
It’s a beautiful thing!
Last week I personally delivered several to the Tomah, WI VA. The quilts were made by a local lady who does that every year. God will reward her!
“this might give the FR Quilt Bees an idea .”
Is there such?
Any kady on FR that quilts.
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