A History of Sew and Sews for Veterans
In 2005, a group of ladies, members of the Cal-Co Quilt Guild, who loved to quilt and serve the community formed Sew and Sews, making items for veterans, daycare centers, Habitat for Humanity, and other charities. By 2009, their only objective became providing quilts to veterans, and the name of the group was changed to Sew and Sews for Veterans.
The first four veterans quilts were sent to Quilts for Injured Soldiers in Maryland, However, since then, Sew and Sews for Veterans provides 50”x70” quilts to the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Battle Creek, various American Legion Posts, and residents of Silver Star Apartments and Lakeview Assisted Living, as well as to individual veterans. In 2022, Sew and Sews began making 36”x48” quilts to be given to veterans who participate in Talons Out Honor Flights. Talons Out Honor Flights fly veterans to Washington DC to view memorials dedicated to the Armed Services. More than 120 quilts were donated or presented to veterans in 2025. Sew and Sews now keep a quilt in their cars to present to veterans whom they might meet.
Sew and Sews carefully cut and sew each quilt top. Talented Sew and Sews long-armers quilt the tops, and the quilts are signed by all persons who worked on the quilt, sometimes four or more people. The quilts are valued at $300 (50”x70”) and $175 (36”x48”).
These quilts are made with love and respect for veterans who served our country. Many veterans tell stories of being pelted with spit and rocks as soldiers, and they tear up with thanks for the gift. Members of Sew and Sews have expressed discomfort with the soldiers’ thanks for doing something that they love to do. These soldiers have put their lives on the line and deserve thanks and recognition.
Sew and Sews for Veterans is in the process of becoming a non-profit organization. The best way to help Sew and Sews is to become a Sew and Sews member or make a monetary donation. All funds donated to Sew and Sews goes to purchasing quilt supplies. Sew and Sews meets the third Monday of each month (except July) from 10am to 12pm at Westlake Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek. Donations can be made via PayPal at sewandsewsforveterans.org or mailed to: Sew and Sews for Veterans, PO Box 121, Marshall, MI 49068. Sew and Sews can be contacted at sewandsewsforvets@gmail.com or 269-248-1149.
