Wounded Warriors Quilt Project

WOUNDED WARRIORS QUILT PROJECT

Project Background

Quilts for Wounded Warriors is an outreach program to support our military troops and thank them for their service. In 2009, we began sending quilts directly to front line hospitals in Iraq and Afghanistan, so the wounded received a quilt as soon as they were injured and had them for their flights home. The handmade quilts showed them we care and thank them for their service. We sent over 900 quilts to Iraq and Afghanistan, and give thanks to DHL Express for shipping our quilts to the war zone free of charge.

When the Afghanistan hospital closed, we expanded the program to provide quilts stateside for special recognition to all branches of service including active duty and veterans. We have recently given quilts to some local WWII veterans, including POWs. All are very grateful, including their families.

Who to Contact

The Wounded Warriors Project is organized and managed by Arlene Zobrist.
She can be reached at: woundedwarriors@southbayquiltersguild.org

Arlene was featured on ABC-7 News with a segment on her great work with this project.

Quilt Guidelines

Size: Any usable size, throw size 48” x 60”, single size 60” x 80”; size can flex
Materials: 100% cotton fabric and batting (80/20 batting acceptable)
Design: Appropriate patriotic colors/themes
Quilting: Machine-quilting, hand-quilting, tying
Optional: Pillowcase (20” x 30”), coordinating fabric

If you’re not a quilter, donations are gratefully accepted for ancillary expenses such as shipping (when needed) and material costs.

Recent Activities

Our quilts were a huge hit at Kensington’s Veterans Day event! They received 24 quilts, and one named “Patriotic Pineapple” was made by guild members each making a block. Many hands add to the message of gratitude that goes with each quilt. We often receive thank-you notes.

A recent note from WWII Veteran Raymond Ginocchio, 98, said: “The quilt warms my heart as well as my body. I enjoy the theme, the colors, the fine work, the effort and especially the love that went into the construction of the quilt. Thank you for your kindness and your good works, you are in my prayers. God loves you, and I do too.” It’s heart-warming to see what these quilts mean to our warriors.

The below pictures show the quilts packaged in gift bags, patriotic placemats/pillowcases, ABC News Segment, Raymond Ginocchio with his quilt, and the "Patriotic Pineapple" made by the Guild. Thanks to all who made this possible with many hours of work!

Your wonderful team efforts made this happen.