SPANISH FORT, Ala.—One day can make a difference, especially in the lives of children who are ill or simply in need of a kind gesture.

In association with the Project Linus program, the Spanish Fort High School chapter of the national Family, Career and Community Leaders of America hosted a community quiltmaking day March 26.

“Thanks to our wonderful volunteers we were able to complete 61 quilts,” said Joni Ojard.

Ojard introduced Spanish Fort to Project Linus 12 years ago when she started the city’s first family and consumer sciences program.

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.”

The local quiltmaking day was co-sponsored by Spanish Fort United Methodist Church, and Ojard said the hand-crafted gifts will be donated to children who are “hospitalized and ill in our county.”

“I hope all who helped with this project found that it warmed their hearts as they helped to warm the lives of young children,” she said.