Member: Melinda Oakley, Franklinton, NC
Project Title: Fidget Lap Blankets
Melinda’s ladies’ group, The Cause of Christ Ministry, handcrafted 10 fidget lap quilts for dementia patients and individuals with autism from materials purchased with Melinda’s Difference Maker Fund.
Member: Phyllis Nieman, Clear Lake, SD
Project Title: Quilts for Kids
Over six months, the quilters at Phyllis’ church made 48 quilts for kids. Phyllis purchased sheets that were used for the quilt backs with her Difference Maker Fund.
Member: Flo Murray, Jewell, IA
Project Title: Items for St. Joseph School
Each year, Flo and her daughter create quilts and Native American dolls that they donate to the St. Joseph School in Chamberlain, South Dakota. Flo uses her Difference Maker Fund to purchase materials for this annual project.
Member: Rose Allen, Lampe, MO
Project Title: Wellness for Warriors Mental Health Program
Rose is part of a group of volunteers who make and present quilts to police officers and firefighters. In April 2024, they presented 15 quilts to these first responders. In June, they donated 16 quilts to the Cox Hospital in Branson, Missouri. Rose purchased quilting supplies with her Difference Maker Fund.
Member: Shirley Busky, Broken Arrow, OK
Project Title: Quilted Hearts
Shirley’s Difference Maker Fund project was to make 50 quilted hearts that were given to people undergoing cancer treatment, shut-ins, and veterans at church. The hearts include a magnet on the back so they can be placed on a refrigerator to remind recipients every day that someone cares.
Member: Sharon Joelson, Moorhead, MN
Project Title: Micah’s Mission Homeless Shelter
Sharon crafted 182 keyhole scarves, 12 gloves, and 19 children’s quilts for her Difference Maker Fund project. The items were donated to the YMCA and the Coalition for Homelessness.
Member: Carol Gaas, Richmond, TX
Project Title: Quilts of Valor for Veterans
Carol is a member of the Coastal Prairie Quilt Guild of Texas. She used her Difference Maker Fund to help the guild purchase quilting supplies to make quilts of valor for veterans. The guild presented seven quilts to veterans in a touching ceremony.
