Carolyn Weil, a passionate quilter and member of the East Bay Heritage Quilters (EBHQ), has spent years using her craft to bring comfort and warmth to those in need. Founded in 1978, the guild started with a small group of women and has since grown to 500 members. Its mission centers on promoting the art of quilting, preserving its traditions, and creating quilts to benefit others.
One of the guild’s key initiatives is its community quilt project, which provides comfort to families in need. Each month, members make quilts for local hospitals, youth programs, and disaster relief efforts. “We give away 1,200 to 1,500 quilts a year, including 75 to Fred Finch,” Weil explains. “It’s a steady flow of quilts, and they’re always needed.”
Volunteers sort through the materials, assemble kits, and sew the quilts. Weil leads a group who meet twice a month to organize the community quilt effort. Larger quilts, often intended for families who’ve lost everything in disasters like wildfires or hurricanes, are also a focus.
For Weil, the most rewarding part of the process is the creative aspect, especially selecting the colors and sewing the final binding. “The process of putting the colors together is so satisfying. It’s a joyful experience, and knowing the quilt will bring comfort to someone is the best part.”
The quilts are more than just blankets. They represent care, warmth, and a sense of security for those who may be facing difficult times. As Weil puts it, there’s nothing quite like wrapping yourself in a quilt to feel safe and loved. “It’s a big hug,” she says. “A quilt is something a young person can carry with them, a reminder that someone cares.”
Quilting at EBHQ involves many hands. From those who donate fabric to the volunteers who iron, sew, and bind, the process is a true community effort. Each quilt is a collective creation, a symbol of generosity and care. “It’s amazing how many people are involved in making one quilt,” Weil notes. “And when we see the faces of the people we donate to light up, we know that all that effort was worth it.”
The quilts, tagged with messages of comfort, provide a lasting impact on recipients. A social worker from Fred Finch once wrote that receiving a quilt can help a child feel connected and seen, something that can make a huge difference during difficult times.
The East Bay Heritage Quilters always welcome new members and fabric donations. Whether you’re an experienced quilter or a beginner, there are many ways to contribute to this heartwarming cause. For more information, visit their website or attend one of their monthly meetings.
Are you interested in making a donation to Fred Finch? We accept a variety of unused or gently used household items. Please reach out to development@fredfinch.org for more information.
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