In the spirit of the holiday season, both the Student Council and Textiles class at St. Edmond, along with others, presented residents of the Marian Home with handmade quilts Tuesday.

In collaboration with the Country Quilters of North Central Iowa quilting group and various student organizations, a plan was put in place starting with a sewing day back in November. From there, community members, students and parents met in the room of St. Edmond family consumer science teacher Sara Kingland to create four-patch lap quilts.

Under the guidance of the motto, “Those who have give; those who can, serve; for this love made visible,” the quilts were created. Community members and Tillie’s Quilts donated the fabric and materials.

“The idea behind the Wrapped in Kindness project was to inspire our students to do something bigger than themselves — to leave a legacy,” St. Edmond Spanish teacher Megan Myers said. “As I was talking with my mom about different possibilities, she was the one who suggested making blankets for the Marian Home residents. She is an avid quilter, and truly the catalyst for the project.

-Photo by Susan Rustvold
Pauline Ball unwraps a quilt at the Marian Home during a recent visit from St. Edmond students. The students presented residents of the Marian Home with quilts.

“Sewing is a dying art, and many students have little to no experience with it. When I brought the idea to my Student Council counterpart, Samantha Harms, she was excited to offer the council something new and meaningful. We then reached out to Sara Kingland, the FCS teacher, to see if her Textiles class would be willing to learn how to make a quilt from start to finish.”

The group consulted Deb Townsend to help with putting the quilts together.

“With the help of Deb, the girls began working through the quilt making process,” Myers said. “It has been a fun and rewarding way to teach students a new and useful skill, and to watch them grow excited about learning the craft and doing more sewing.”

Tracy Trotter, administrator at the Marian Home, has seen the impact this has had on both students and residents.

“The students at St. Edmond have poured their hearts into crafting colorful quilts for the residents of the Marian Home nursing home,” Trotter said. “Each quilt showcases unique designs that reflect the students’ creativity and spirit. The residents have been overwhelmed with gratitude, sharing their happiness and excitement as they receive these cozy gifts.

-Photo by Susan Rustvold
Genevieve Crimmins displays a quilt at the Marian Home during a recent visit from St. Edmond students. The students presented residents of the Marian Home with quilts.

“This collaborative effort between students and other members of the community not only brightens the residents’ day, but also strengthens the bond between generations, highlighting the profound impact of kindness and community engagement. The amount of work put into this project and the enthusiasm I am told the students have for this project is mind blowing.

“I know both the students and residents will take away more from this than giving and receiving quilts.”

-Photo by Susan Rustvold
Donna Forsythe shows off a quilt at the Marian Home during a recent visit from St. Edmond students. The students presented residents of the Marian Home with quilts.