Senior Quilting Group from Sagewood at Daybreak Donates Quilted Items to Local Ronald McDonald House for Families in Need

For the past two years, the members of the Senior Quilter’s Club at Sagewood at Daybreak, a family-focused senior living community, have worked diligently to provide loomed and crocheted items to various individuals and organizations in need throughout the local community. Recently, the group began making loomed and crocheted items such as baby hats and tie blankets they will then donate to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of The Intermountain Area Inc. The ladies plan to work throughout May, and then hand deliver the items to the children and their families at the Ronald McDonald House. Since the group began, the members have remained steadfast in their dedication to providing those in need with a homemade item of comfort during some of the most difficult moments in their lives. Through the making of quilts, hats and a variety of other items, the members of the quilting group hope recipients know that someone cares about them and their experiences during a difficult time. The group has created over 40 items during the past two years for people in need across South Jordan and the Greater Salt Lake City area.

The group is made up of six active members, along with new members who are interested in learning how they can get involved and help to make an impact. They come together at the senior living community every Tuesday to work on their projects and spend time with one another. For group member and resident Carolyn Smeltzer, one of the group’s original members, this heartfelt activity provides her with a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.

“Working together to create these quilts and hats brings us all a great sense of joy and purpose,” said Smeltzer. “A lot of love and compassion goes into them, and we hope those who receive them feel a sense of security and comfort. I experience an incredible amount of satisfaction knowing that what we do makes a difference for someone else. I’ve been very blessed, and this gives me the opportunity to share those blessings with those in need. We chose the Ronald McDonald House because we feel for the families and children. So many families have to experience the stress of a sick child, and we hope these simple tokens of support show them they are not alone.”

According to Smeltzer, the process moves smoothly as each member contributes various skills to make the blankets and hats. The group uses various materials such as flannel and fleece to create blankets that are then crocheted at the ends. The most popular form of blanket they make is the tie quilt, simply because everyone can help even if they do not know how to quilt or crochet. For new member Judy Hunter, contributing to the group is extremely meaningful.

“It’s incredible to see how this group has come together to do something so impactful,” said Hunter. “There’s nothing like the feeling of knowing that you’re making a difference in someone’s life. The bonus is that I get to spend time with these wonderful women and form lasting bonds. I’m excited and energized by the thought of helping families in need feel a sense of comfort and love during trying times. I hope that our efforts encourage other people to make a difference as well.”

“We’re honored to have such generous individuals as a part of our community,” said Josh Lancaster, executive director of Sagewood at Daybreak. “Our community is honored to assist families and children who live in our area. Sagewood is proud to support the residents in all of their endeavors, and we hope that these selfless women inspire others in South Jordan to see what they can do to benefit someone else.”