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Hopkins County 4-H members are definitely putting their “hands to greater service” while creating quilts -
(Left) Master Wellness Volunteers, local quilters and family of Hopkins County 4-H members share their knowledge of sewing and quilting with club members. (Right) 4-H members smooth and hang one of the quilts they are working on as part of the Quilts of Valor project they have started. Courtesy photos -
Hopkins County Extension Agent Lisa Sprague along with Hopkins County 4-H members show off one of the qulits the youth have made for the Quilts of Valor project. Sprague updated Hopkins County Commissioners Court during a recent meeting about the club's taking on the project. Courtesy photos -
Hopkins County 4-H members use a sewing iron to make blocks using patriotic colors. The block then become part of a larger quilt, part of the Quilts of Valor project the club has adopted.
Excitement is building for a new 4-H project at the Extension office. Hopkins County 4-H members are definitely putting their “hands to greater service” while creating quilts. Not just any quilts — Quilts of Valor. After attending a workshop in Quitman and learning to create quilt blocks, a group of 4-H members decided to make the project an ongoing project.
Hopkins County 4-H members participating in this project range from 7 years old to 17 and are being assisted by Master Wellness Volunteers and local quilters.
I couldn’t ask for a better response from the Master Wellness Volunteers and local quilting friends. I told them about the project, and they began signing up for sew days. I think they are enjoying helping our young quilters increase their skills and understanding of quilting techniques.
The goal for this group is to complete eight quilts this year. One quilt top is being donated to the Freedom Ball and will be one of their raffle items. The other seven quilts will be awarded to local veterans during a ceremony on Nov. 11.
During the month of September, we will have a nomination form that local citizens can fill out to nominate a local veteran. After that, a committee of youth and adults will choose the seven veterans who will be awarded a Quilt of Valor during our 2024 ceremony. The hope of the local 4-H members is that this project continues to grow in popularity and continues for years to come.
Peggy Childs, adult 4-H volunteer, said, “Quilts of Valor is a project of love that my 4-Hers do to express appreciation to local veterans.” Peggy and her grandchildren, Diego and Rosa, have been participating in this project from the beginning.
Lena Reyes is a senior member of 4-H and currently serving the state as a 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassador. Lena says, “This project is a great way to get kids involved in the community. It teaches our younger 4-H members about sewing and gives them respect for our veterans.”
As with any worthy cause that teaches youth about community service, patriotism and honoring the sacrifices made by members of our armed forces, this project requires funds. If you are interested in donating to this endeavor, please contact Lisa Sprague, County Extension Agent, at 903-3352937 or 903-885-3443. We have a need for donations to purchase fabric, batting, sewing machines, cutting rulers and mats. We will be creating signage to recognize businesses and individuals that donate to this project and display it at the Extension office. We received our first donation from Wade and Jan Bartley, owners of Mahoney Oaks Retreat.
Any community members with children or grandchildren, who would like to learn more about 4-H and project opportunities within the organization, may reach out to us at the Extension office. As we grow this project, we are always looking for more members who would like to learn to sew, network with other members, and create beautiful heirlooms that show our gratitude for those who have served so that we can enjoy our many freedoms in the United State of America.