LuAnn Jackson, president of the Auxiliary headed up an effort to create quilts, after learning about a national program that gifted quilts to veterans.

That program, called “Quilts of Valor” was organized in 2003. It has very specific requirements to qualify the work quilters would make for distribution. This organization, based in Winterset, has over 50 pages of guidelines and policies. Quilts are made, then donated to the organization for distribution.

Jackson just wanted to make quilts.

And the men who receive them know who made them.

“We are not a member of “Quilts of Valor” and had to do some last-minute changes when I realized I couldn’t use that name,” said Jackson.

But the goal is the same. To provide warmth, appreciation and wrap each veteran with love.

So the presentation of the Freedom Quilts is a totally independent program, and the first quilts given to the Hamilton County Legion members were made by auxiliary members.

The auxiliary members made a formal presentation to the men at the beginning of the Legion meeting last week.

“This is the first time we’ve done this as a ceremony.” said Jackson.

She hopes to do another presentation in the fall.

“When I did the presentation, I told everyone that if they had another veteran who would like one, we will see if we can do one this fall,” she said.

But the quilts do take time. Each one is hand made, either by hand or with a sewing machine. The quilting can be done by hand, or with a long-arm quilting machine. The colors and combinations are chosen by the quilter.

The local ladies do follow some standard guidelines.

“We go by their guideline to make the size, which are 60 inches by 80 inches,” said Jackson, “We put a tag on it, the name of the person who receives it, the branch of service and rank, plus the name of the person who made it.

“I also put on the label that they were in Vietnam and what years they served,” she said.

Jackson hopes to make this a new tradition for the Auxiliary members and the Legion. But she could use more quilters.

“I don’t know how many helpers we have to help with them,” said Jackson.

In addition to the work of piecing and quilting, the auxiliary members purchase all the materials that go into the quilt. That includes fabric, batting, thread and replacement parts for machines when things break.

Community members who would be interested in helping make these quilts, or just want to help make sure there are supplies available, can contribute to the project either with time, materials or monetary donations.

“If I can get more help, I would think we could give out another five for a fall presentation,” Jackson said.

If you want to donate, items or money can be taken to the American Legion with a note that the items are for the Auxilliary for Freedom quilts or contact LuAnn Jackson, at 515-835-0178.