SPANISH FORT, Ala. — For Rhonda Kelly, quilting is more than a hobby.

It’s been a way for the Spanish Fort retiree to pass along family history to each of her five grandchildren, while keeping them warm and – literally – wrapped in her love.

“They’re all still pretty young, so they probably won’t understand the little stories I wove into each one with the fabrics I chose, but they know that Maw-Maw loves them every time they cuddle up,” said Kelly, who learned only recently of a way to continue sharing her gifts with children in need outside her family.

The Spanish Fort High School chapter of the national Family, Career and Community Leaders of America will host a community quiltmaking day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 26.

The event, co-sponsored by Spanish Fort United Methodist Church, benefits Project Linus, a nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to providing children in need nationwide.

For several months, SFHS family and consumer-science teacher Joni Ojard has been organizing the craft-for-a-cause gathering, requesting cotton fabrics in kid-friendly colors and prints as well as all-purpose sewing thread and quilt batting. Donations are still being accepted and can be dropped off at SFHS or SFUMC.

According to its official website, Bloomington, Ill.-based Project Linus provides “love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise is need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans.”

Said Carol Babbitt, president of the national program: “The comfort brought to a child by a Project Linus security blanket should not be underestimated. Thanks to our many blanketeers and our chapter coordinators, millions of children and their families have been given comfort and security at a time when they need it most. In addition, blanketeers are given an opportunity to use their talents and abilities in a most rewarding way.”

Kelly said she couldn’t think of a more rewarding way to spend a Saturday morning.

“I’ve done what I wanted for my own, but there are so many others who will never know the kind of love and comfort my grandbabies feel. This just seems like such a nice way to try and spread that love around,” she said.

If you donate:

SPANISH FORT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

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SPANISH FORT HIGH SCHOOL

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