Honoring Our Heroes: A Look at the Quilts of Valor Foundation
The Quilts of Valor Foundation (QOV) is a nonprofit organization with a mission as warm and comforting as the quilts they create. Founded in 2003 by Catherine Roberts, the QOV Foundation is dedicated to covering service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. These quilts are tangible symbols of gratitude and appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who have served our country.
What is the Quilts of Valor Foundation?
The QOV Foundation was born out of Catherine Roberts’ desire to provide comfort to her son, a soldier deployed in Iraq. From this personal connection, the organization has grown into a national movement of quilters who share the same goal: to honor and comfort those who have served our nation. Each Quilt of Valor is a handmade, carefully crafted work of art that is designed to offer a warm embrace to veterans and service members, reminding them that their service is valued and appreciated.
Since its inception, the QOV Foundation has awarded over 300,000 quilts to deserving individuals, providing them with a lasting reminder of the nation’s gratitude. These quilts are not just quilts; they are powerful symbols of appreciation, honor, and healing.
How to Find Your Local Chapter
Finding a local chapter of the QOV Foundation is the first step in joining this heartfelt mission. The QOV Foundation website offers a convenient “Find a Group” feature that allows you to search for chapters by state or zip code. Many quilting guilds and fabric shops also have information about local QOV chapters and events. Whether you are a seasoned quilter or someone looking to start, there is always a place for you in a QOV group. Click here to go the the QOV website!
Local chapters often host quilting bees, workshops, and events where members come together to create these beautiful quilts. These gatherings are a great way to connect with other quilters, learn new techniques, and contribute to a cause that honors our nation’s heroes.
How to Participate
Participation in the QOV Foundation can take many forms, from donating fabric and materials to piecing, quilting, or binding quilts. If you’re new to quilting, don’t worry—many chapters offer mentorship and guidance to help you get started. Experienced quilters can lend their skills to more complex tasks or help teach others.
Volunteers can also participate by organizing events, helping with logistics, or spreading the word about the QOV mission in their communities. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps ensure that more veterans and service members receive the comfort and recognition they deserve.
Here are some beautiful fabric options for making a Quilt of Valor quilt. You can find these and other red, white, and blue fabrics on Missouri Star Quilt Co. or click here!
Awarding Quilts to Veterans
The process of awarding a Quilt of Valor is a deeply personal and meaningful ceremony. Quilts are awarded in a variety of settings, from small, intimate gatherings to larger community events. Each quilt is presented with a certificate that includes the recipient’s name and the names of the quilt’s makers.
The ceremony often includes a few words of thanks and recognition, making it an emotional and memorable experience for both the recipient and the quilt makers. The presentation of a Quilt of Valor is more than just a gift—it is a moment of connection, healing, and honor, acknowledging the sacrifices made by our veterans and service members.
The Quilts of Valor Foundation is a powerful example of how the simple act of quilting can touch lives and provide comfort to those who have given so much for our country. Whether you’re an experienced quilter or someone who just wants to give back, participating in the QOV Foundation is a meaningful way to make a difference. By joining this incredible community, you can help honor our heroes, one stitch at a time.
If you’re ready to get involved, visit the QOV Foundation’s website to find your local chapter and learn more about how you can participate. Let’s come together to show our veterans and service members that their service will never be forgotten.
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