Heather's Corner: Quilts of Valor: Honoring the Veterans of Oro Valley and Around the World

 "Great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle." That is the definition of valor and exactly what the recipients of quilts provided by the organization "Quilts of Valor" (QOV) have demonstrated while protecting our country. With their mission intending to comfort and heal veterans and their families affected by war with handmade quilts, this is no ordinary group and their efforts have spanned over all parts of our country and worldwide.

Originally beginning with a mom's love for her son upon his year long deployment to Iraq, Seaford, Delaware's, Catherine Roberts, efforts soon expanded as a way to welcome home returning servicemen and women with the gratitude and respect she felt they undoubtedly deserved. Since 2003, QOV has become a "national grassroots community service effort, connecting the home-front with our warriors and veterans."

QOV has also touched our own local veterans with the Arizona Chapter. Photographs can be seen on their facebook page of quilts honoring veterans and their families made by our Oro Valley neighbors. Currently the NW Tucson QOV meets at the Oro Valley library the first Wednesdays of each month from 9:30 - 12 noon. Terry Burtchell, OV resident and retired seamstress of 40 years, is the Arizona State Coordinator, and is a wonderful source for information regarding the non-profit group. You can contact her at terry.burtchell@QOVF.org for assistance.

As with most non-profits, volunteering and donations are a must. To monetarily donate you can visit their website. You can also accept donations of "quality 100% cotton quilting weight fabric that is new or like new (free of odors, stains, and never been used)."

This is a great organization Oro Valley. If you can donate, have extra fabric, or can sew, you might want to extend your gratitude to the veterans as well.
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Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley for 6 years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. She loves gardening, nature, art, and travel. Currently her two young children fill up most of her days (and nights) with chaotic bliss. Oro Valley favorites: memorial bench at the entrance of Romero Canyon Trail in Catalina State Park, Toscana Studio and Gallery, OV Fall Festival, the gumption and determination of OV residents!