Written by Wilma Harris, Quilting and Sewing Ministry Leader

The VCN Quilting and Sewing Ministry began in January 2011. At that time it was known as “Covers for Kids” and was part of the Children’s Ministry. Covers were made and given to children ages 3 years and younger, and each year in May there was a special recognition day during the church service to introduce these young church attendees to the congregation.

Soon the group realized it needed an updated name and mission statement as the group expanded to creating more than these small covers for kids. The mission statement for the VCN Quilting and Sewing Ministry became, “Spreading love, warmth, and friendship through the distribution of lap covers and other handmade items.”

The group of 10 to 20 people meets in the VCN Fellowship Hall A every Thursday from 9 am to Noon. Everyone is invited to attend, and you do not have to attend VCN to participate. We need people of all skills - from quilting and sewing to cutting and sorting. (VCN Weekly Groups Information)

The Ministry operates through generous donations of fabric, yarn, and other sewing supplies. Occasionally cash donations are received when someone requests a special item to be made. We have also received donations of large items from friends of the group including things such as a rolling storage chest, a sewing machine in a rolling cabinet, and several portable sewing machines. The ministry also purchases things such as batting for the covers and VCN garment label tags which are attached to almost all items.

I’m sure you are wondering what happens to all the items we make. Individual visits are made when we know of someone who is sick, had surgery, or just needs a smiling face to show up at their door. Not only do we visit church members, but we also visit friends of friends and family members. We love referrals and are happy to make the visits. We also mail items when needed.

New brides, graduating seniors, and new babies each receive a cover. We support nursing homes, assisted living facilities, small group homes, memory care homes, Sarasota Memorial Maternity Ward, Pregnancy Solutions, The Twig - a foster kids program, Samaritan’s Purse, Family Promise, and areas that are damaged by floods, tornados, and hurricanes. Our largest project was in 2013 when 125 covers were made and donated to Loveland Center School. The largest gift to Samaritan’s Purse was in 2018 when 100 pillowcase dresses (yes, dresses sewn using pillowcases!) were given.

Usually, in May and December, we load the VCN bus up with the “goodies” we have created, hop aboard, and visit and deliver to the homes in the area. It is hard to describe the joy this brings to all the residents we visit.

Covers are the top priority, but a few of the other items that we make include walker bags, adult clothing protectors, cosmetic bags, tote bags, crocheted and knitted items, glass cases, book bags, baby bibs, burp pads, new baby caps, booties, and receiving blankets.

For one retirement center, we provide a monthly craft hour where our volunteers assist the residents in making the craft of the month.

Please visit the VCN Library to browse through our scrapbooks and enjoy the history of our ministry.

For additional information about getting involved in the Quilting and Sewing Ministry through participation or donation, contact the VCN Church Office at 941-488-5007.