Redeemer Lutheran Quilters: Angels with Thimbles

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Members of Redeemer Lutheran Quilters

(standing) David Albers, Senior Pastor, Redeemer Lutheran Church; Katie Wenger, Director of Family & Outreach, Redeemer Lutheran Church; Rob Whitlach, Thrivent; Carolyn Moses, Healthy Families Program Manager, Helping People Succeed; (fourth from right) Tobi Kogut, Data Entry Specialist, Helping People Succeed; (far right) Glenna Parris, Gift Planning Officer, Helping People Succeed and (seated, far left) Amy Whitlach, Thrivent

The ladies who comprise the Redeemer Lutheran Quilters have been sharing their time, talent and treasure with the community since 2000.

Every Tuesday from 9 a.m.-noon, the talented seamstresses gather at the church on Ocean Boulevard in Stuart for socializing and to fabricate quilts and walker bags that they share with several Martin County nonprofits.

Jan Hanssen and Kathy Barger do the coordinating and organizing for the group, which has between 12 and 15 attendees at each weekly session. Last year, they gave away a total of 287 quilts.

Hanssen, who’s been a member since 2001 said, “We all want to give back, but sometimes it’s hard to know where to begin. If you are wondering how to make a difference, we can help.”

One of the nonprofits that enjoys the benevolence of the Redeemer Lutheran Quilters is Helping People Succeed, which has been a lucky recipient for years, using the quilts for those served in many of its programs. This year alone, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization has received 73 of the beautiful contributions to date.

Says Carolyn Moses, Healthy Families Program Manager of Helping People Succeed, “We are so grateful to have this wonderful partnership! These beautiful, one-of-a-kind quilts created with such love and care are deeply appreciated and treasured by the families who receive them.”

Although many of the members are experienced sewers, Hanssen says those who want to learn are welcome to join. One does not need to be a parishioner of the church.

In addition to Helping People Succeed, other fortunate organizations and businesses that have been gifted include Mrs. Rina’s House of Blessings/Elev8Hope, Guardian ad Litem and Palm City Nursing Home.

Much of the funding for Redeemer Lutheran Quilters comes to them as a Thrivent Action Team, a grant-driven program of Thrivent Financial. They are also happy to accept contributions in the form of sewing supplies and equipment in good condition or donated, unused 100% cotton fabric remnants.

To learn more about Redeemer Lutheran Quilters and how you can volunteer or donate, call Jan Hanssen at 772-285-8311 or Jan Barger at 772-530-5773.