Local group meets each month to make quilts for sick children

Have donated more than 1,300 quilts to hospitals, fire departments

(VERSAILLES, Ind.) – A group of women are providing comfort to children one stitch at a time, and more are welcome to join. 

Teresa Meyer, of Elrod,  created a local Quilts for Kids chapter, which is dedicated to making quilts for children who are facing serious illnesses.

She found a passion for the cause after she made memory quilts in honor of her nephew, Jacob Vogel, who was killed in a car crash in 2013.

“It just got into my skin and I wanted to sew quilts to help kids who are in the hospital,” Meyer said. “Those kids are going through a scary time and we hope this provides some relief to them and their families.”

She formed the local Quilts for Kids chapter in 2016 and it has led to the donation of 1,346 quilts so far. 

The quilts are taken to local fire departments as well as regional hospitals including Cincinnati Children's Hospital and Riley Children’s Health. 

Teresa recalls one instance when they were driving home during the winter and witnessed a crash. 

“There were three kids involved in the crash and it just so happened that the fire department who responded was one of those who had our quilts,” she said. “The firefighters were able to give quilts to those children.”

The Quilts for Kids chapter meets on the fourth Saturday of every month at The Quilters Nook in Versailles. 

Anyone is welcome to join during their monthly events. Whether that be sewing, binding, ironing or just stopping by for conversation. 

“We welcome anyone to get involved and you can actually even sew or bind from your house and drop it off,” she said. 

She works for Baxter in Batesville and the company has supported the cause by helping to fund fabric and batting.

While Teresa created the initiative, she says it is only made possible by those who have gotten involved.

"I deeply appreciate the ladies who spend their time and money and share their quilt making talents.  The deliveries of the quilts are made possible due to their support as well," she said.

The next Quilts for Kids sewing day will be October 25 and The Quilters Nook is located at 82 Hill Street in Versailles. 

The local chapter is also accepting additional financial support in order to make more quilts. You can reach out and learn more by clicking here.