Unity House was thrilled to receive a large donation of quilts from the Shenendehowa Quilt Project. The quilts will go to Sojourner Place, Unity House’s shelter for victims of domestic violence. The shelter is often in need of blankets, quilts, twin-size sheet sets, towels and toiletries so a donation of handmade quilts is very much appreciated.

There is something special about these quilts that’s hard to capture in a snapshot. These quilts are part of a project that involves children making the quilts as a collective community service project. It’s children helping other children in need. Led by a small group in Clifton Park, expert seamstresses teach children quilting basics. The children design fabric squares, many of them incorporating art and messages made by the children. These fabric squares are then put into a larger quilt design. The children do much of the work, and then quilters piece together with the children the finished design.

Finished quilts are donated to area shelters and programs that serve people in need. In many cases, when an individual checks into a shelter, they often need to take the bedding with them when they transition to permanent housing. We are grateful for the work of the Shenendehowa Quilt Project and the beautiful craftsmanship of these handmade quilts. While all the quilts were beautiful pieces, many with fine felt as the backing, all using beautiful patterns and color combinations, our favorite was the one that had a child’s artwork with the messge, “You are not alone.” It’s a message we can all be reminded of.

For more information on the Shenendehowa Quilt Project, look for them on Facebook.

For information on how you can help make life better at Sojourner Place, contact Unity House at (518) 274-2607 x4134.