From Quilts To Masks, Liberty Sewing Circle Steps Up To Help
WARSAW — Liberty Sewing Circle in Warsaw is known throughout the county for the Threads of Valor quilts they make for veterans.
The women are currently taking a break from sewing quilts — but they’re working harder than ever.
During the past two weeks, they’ve made and distributed between 350-400 masks to be used by health care workers.
Seven members of the group, Kathy Snell, Brenda Ganshorn, Juanita Campbell, Nancy Nulf, Patti Keith, Cookie Hartman and Marsha Huffman, normally do their sewing at the Kosciusko Community Senior Center; however, the building has been closed to the public because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Huffman contacted Pastor John B. Lowe II, who agreed to let the group use a room at New Life Christian Church until they are able to return to the senior center.
Snell said the women are practicing social distancing, setting up their sewing machines and working several feet apart.
The group got the idea for making masks when Huffman’s niece, who is employed at East Lake Nursing and Rehab Center in Elkhart, asked if Huffman could make masks for them.
Huffman then contacted other members of Liberty Sewing Circle and North Central Indiana American Sewing Guild for assistance.
“We’ve kind of joined forces,” Snell said.
Masks have been sent to East Lake Nursing, Cardinal Services, Masons Healthcare, Lake City Place and The Meadows.
“Everyone says they are in desperate need,” Snell said. “We stepped up our operation and started making masks.”
The women said they’ll continue making masks as long as there’s a need for them.
“We’re all in this together,” Snell said. “We are doing what we can to help our community.”
Liberty Sewing Circle was presented with the Meritorious Service Award at the annual Veterans Day event at the Center Lake Pavilion. The award is given for outstanding service to veterans and their families above and beyond the call of duty.
“It’s a gift that God gave us to be able to sew,” Snell said. “It’s a small thing, but it’s big in God’s work.”