Hanover, New Hampshire - January 18, 2010
Every other week, quilters gather in Hanover, New Hampshire to sew for countries stricken by disaster. Monday they received a little extra help from some college kids.
Quilters celebrate another finished creation at Collis Hall on the campus of Dartmouth College. For some of these volunteers, it's the first time behind a sewing machine.
"I knew nothing about it accept that my grandma did it. Until today, they taught me everything," said junior Amy McLuskie.
The quilts are being made for Lutheran World Relief, an international non-profit that helps impoverished counties recover from disasters. This year Haiti will more than likely be towards the top of the list.
"Its an easy way that you can do something for the Haiti situation, so I decided to come in here instead of go for a hike," said McLuskie
"Lutheran World Relief has been in operation since after World War II," said Susan Bloomfield of Our Savior Lutheran Church.
This group usually meets at the Our Savior Lutheran Church in Hanover. But every Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the women gather on campus to recruit college kids. Organizers say that this year Haiti gives an added incentive.
"It puts it in perspective and it gives additional opportunities for people who want to come and help," said Bloomfield.
Students like senior Kat Emil. In a way, that is the point. Showing that a little tender loving care can go a long way.
"It definitely giving something tangible that you know is going to help rather than just giving money, so it feels nice that there is a tangible result that people can use and benefit from," she said.
"Since June the church has made over 140 quilts that will be shipped to disaster-stricken countries all across the world. And while all these quilts may not go to Haiti, quilters say the project is a great way to feel part of the bigger picture helping those in need.
Last year, Lutheran World Relief shipped about 400,000 quilts to needy countries.
Adam Sullivan - WCAX News
