Gila Herald Staff Reports
GRAHAM COUNTY — Proving once again that “many hands make light work,” local volunteer groups and community quilters recently joined forces for a heartwarming community project to bring comfort to children of fallen military members and first responders.
The VFW Auxiliary #10385 hosted a dedicated Project Linus sew day alongside the Gila Valley Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the Southeast AZ Sew and Sews, and community quilters from Eastern Arizona College quilting classes.
The effort supported Project Linus’s Snowball Express initiative, which gifts custom quilts to children of
fallen military and first responders who are attending the annual Gary Sinise Foundation Snowball Express trip to Disney World this fall.
Jackie Hale, the local Project Linus area coordinator, initially set a target to craft 30 quilts for the initiative. Thanks to the overwhelming community turnout and volunteer dedication, the group exceeded expectations and completed 40 handmade quilts.
Key community contributions made this effort possible, including Lynnae Merrell of Cotton Blossom Quilts, who prepared and donated pre-cut quilt kits for volunteers, and local longarm quilters Natalie Barron, Leslie Bingham, and Cindy Bryce, who donated their professional finishing services.
Residents interested in joining or learning more about any participating organization can contact VFW Auxiliary Secretary Linda Curtis for additional information and referral contact details.
