CARING QUILT DAY CELEBRATES 25+YEARS OF COMFORT
An interview with Kim Gannaway, Sylvia Hakala, and Penny Lohse
Caring Quilt Day at Shepherd of the Valley Church is more than just a one-day event; it’s a testament to the power of community and the enduring impact of compassion. Born from a continuing education project in 1999, this annual event has grown into a vibrant tradition, creating hundreds of quilts each year for children in need.
Seeking a project that combined her passion with community involvement, Kim Gannaway envisioned creating quilts for children at Target House, a facility providing housing for families of children undergoing treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
“I knew about Target House through my work at Target Corporation and was deeply moved by their mission,” Kim shares. “I wanted to use my love of quilting to make a difference in the lives of these children and families.”
A COMMUNITY OF QUILTERS
With the support of fellow SOTV Quilters like Sylvia Hakala and Penny Lohse, Kim began to assemble a dedicated team. Overcoming initial challenges like securing materials, they discovered the generosity of local businesses like Jo-Ann Fabrics, who donated fabric and batting to the initial cause, and Target Corporation who still, 25 years later, provides some funding for the project.
“We learned as we went,” Kim recalls. Sylvia and Penny shared “We started with simple patterns and developed a system of precut kits to make it easier for volunteers to participate. We also realized the importance of involving people who didn’t know how to quilt, so we incorporated quilt-tying stations into the event.” They also invited Girl Scouts and SOTV Sunday School kids to personalize labels for each quilt.
A DAY OF JOY AND SHARED PURPOSE
Caring Quilt Day has evolved into a vibrant community gathering. Each year, the church classrooms transform into a bustling workshop, filled with the hum of sewing machines, the chatter of volunteers, and the joyful anticipation of creating something meaningful and tangible.
“The energy on Caring Quilt Day is incredible,” says Sylvia. “It’s a day of laughter, friendship, and shared purpose. People of all ages come together, from seasoned quilters to first-time volunteers, all united by the desire to make a difference.”
BEYOND SOTV
The impact of Caring Quilt Day extends far beyond the walls of Shepherd of the Valley. Quilts created during the event have found their way to children at Target House, local hospitals, Lutheran Social Service, and other organizations serving children and families in need. In fiscal year 2024 the Shepherd Quilters made a total of 507 quilts and the Golden Stitchers completed 282 items. 207 quilts made their way to Target House in Memphis.
“Witnessing the joy on the faces of the children as they receive their quilts is truly heartwarming,” Kim shared of her visits to Target House to distribute quilts. “It’s a powerful reminder of the positive impact we can have on the lives of others.”
A LEGACY OF LOVE
Over the years, Caring Quilt Day has become a cherished tradition, fostering a legacy of compassion and community engagement. The event has not only provided comfort to countless children but also enriched the lives of the volunteers who participate.
“Seeing this project continue to thrive after all these years is incredibly rewarding,” Kim says. “It’s a testament to the dedication and generosity of the volunteers, the support of the community, and the enduring power of kindness.”
GET INVOLVED! Annually Caring Quilt Day welcomes volunteers of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re an experienced quilter, a beginner eager to learn, or simply someone who enjoys the company of others and wants to make a difference, your participation is invaluable. Plan to participate in 2026 Caring Quilt Day. More details to come.