Joshua’s Hands Donates Quilts to Boulder Crest Retreat in Bluemont

In January 2011, Joshua’s Hands gathered volunteers from around Loudoun County to work on quilts for wounded warriors.  In a ten-day session, volunteers made twenty-nine quilts and realized that this would not be a one-time effort.  People loved the opportunity to gather in support of our troops and to “do something” with tangible results to help.  What they also appreciated was the opportunity to work with other volunteers of all ages and abilities in a mentoring environment.  When the session was completed, everyone learned something and all involved felt deep satisfaction with the final product.

Since that time, there have been five such quilting sessions, which have been dubbed Valiant Warrior Quilting Events.  The total was at that time 317 quilts made and shipped to Germany and Afghanistan for wounded warriors (the organization prefers to call them Valiant Warriors).  The project was awarded Volunteer Loudoun’s Outstanding Volunteer Project for 2013.  

In the process of creating these quilts, the organization learned that Boulder Crest Retreat (BCR) was being built in Bluemont, Virginia as a place for wounded warriors and their families to have some time for rest and relaxation.  The quilters enthusiastically decided to offer to make quilts for the beds at BCR. 

They reached out to other quilters nation-wide to lend their support to this project and on Wednesday, May 15, they presented 24 quilts to BCR.  Quilters were encouraged to use earth tones or rustic colors schemes.  The quilts were made by artisans who care about our wounded warriors and want to encourage and support them in their time of rest and recovery at Boulder Crest.  Each quilt is unique and bears a label identifying the quilter(s).  The Joshua’s Hands labels also bear their signature verse for the project: “The Lord is with you, O Valiant Warrior” - Judges 6:12. 

Quilts came from California, North Carolina, and Williamsburg, Virginia and of course, local quilters.  The outpouring of love and support is indicative of the hearts of quilters.  “They are such a giving group,” says Joyce Guthrie, president and CEO of Joshua’s Hands.  “The volunteers give of their time and talents both to make quilts and to mentor quilting.  It’s a privilege to know people with such helping hands and servant hearts.”

Some of the quilters were able to attend the presentation of the quilts.  They were so excited about the cabins and the rustic furnishings that they joyfully placed the quilts on the beds in each of the four cabins.  A labor of love had come to fruition!

In an ongoing effort to honor our troops, Joshua’s Hands will continue to make and gather lap quilts that will be kept on hand at Boulder Crest and given to each visiting veteran and their family as gifts.  The intent is that each wounded warrior and/or their family will take home a lap quilt that will remind them of their time in Loudoun County and our gratitude for their service and sacrifice.  This is a huge commitment, as the facility hopes to host 250-500 families/year.  Quilters who would like to participate in the project are asked to send completed lap quilts (50”x50” to 60” x 60”) to Joshua’s Hands, 38327 Charles Town Pike Waterford, Virginia 20197. 

Update: Local volunteers gathered in July to lend their willing hands to a project that touches many hearts.  These volunteers laughed and learned together this summer – creating 108 quilts for our Valiant Warriors.  That brings the total number of quilts made since 2011 to 425.  Each quilt is a gift that offers warmth and serves as a reminder to a Valiant Warrior that they are highly esteemed by patriots at home.

As part of its commitment to community service and American heritage education, Joshua’s Hands will offer the Valiant Warrior Quilting Event every six months.  The next event will be held in January 2014.  No experience is necessary.  All materials are provided.  Participants are invited to drop in for fun, fellowship, education and service.  The goal is to produce 100 quilts in 10 days.

The organization always has a need for quilting supplies and materials as well as working sewing machines and financial contributions to make the work possible.  If you would like to contribute in any way to this project, please contact Joshua’s Hands: visit www.joshuashands.org  or info@joshuashands.org.

About Joshua’s Hands

Joshua’s Hands is a nonprofit organization that was established (1999) in memory of Joshua Guthrie, a sweet and loving young man who dedicated his life and hands to service.  As a legacy, Joshua’s Hands seeks to encourage service from grateful hearts, and to provide educational programming and scholarships.

Joshua’s Hands has a five-fold mission – like the fingers on a hand:

Fall Festival – Each year we offer a free event that is open to the entire community. Games kid’s crafts, pony rides, entertainment, petting farm, prizes and lunch are all free of charge.

American Heritage Education - Desires to glorify God through the American Heritage Experience in order to preserve one of America’s choicest bounties – her foundation of faith.  It is our belief that familiarity with our American heritage will instill a respect for America and her history, renew interest in her arts and culture, rekindle a connection to the faith of our fathers, and challenge Americans to serve.

Community Service – Partners with local merchants to provide goods to the elderly and indigent in our community. Teams of volunteer’s pickup donated food and goods and distribute items to various locations serving the Loudoun area.

Teen Safe Driving – Joyce Guthrie speaks to young drivers, encouraging teens and parents to drive safely.

Scholarships – Provides scholarship funds to Precept Ministries for their Teen Boot Camps. Also academic scholarships that are essay based and reward Loudoun County graduating seniors.

Additional Web Site Resources:

Boulder Crest Retreat

About Joshua

Valiant Warrior Quilting Event