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Quantico chapel members displaying a decorated handmade quilt for the victims at the recent Charleston shooting. The quilt was designed and sewn by Mrs. Carol Westin.

Photo by Courtesy photo

Quantico congregation sends quilt to Charleston church

30 Jul 2015 | Steve Kim Marine Corps Base Quantico

Carol Westin, a quilter and member of the Quantico Protestant congregation, sewed a decorated bedspread and sent it to the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in wake of the recent violent tragedy there. During a prayer service June 17, a gunman shot and killed nine people, including a senior pastor and state senator, Clementa C. Pinckney.

“The tragedy really hit close to home with us, because as dedicated church goers ourselves, we attend church to learn and better ourselves. Even if we are from differing states and backgrounds, we pray with similar intentions, to seek guidance and support for our community and loved ones.” said Carol.

Carol and her husband Alan Weston are the owners of Sugar Hollow Quilts, a professional quilt carrier that specializes in customizing handmade quilts. They also send quilts to wounded warriors, caregivers and many others in need around the world.

“We sent the handmade quilt to the Mother Emanuel to show support and common love. We empathized tremendously with the tragedy that occurred at Charleston. We wanted to make this quilt in memory of the nine that lost their lives during the incident.” said Alan.

The Westins are also members of the Protestant congregation at Quantico, and have shared their love of quilting with Quantico community for many years.

“I have been quilting for over 30 years because I love doing it. I decided to use my passion to serve the community in some way. I really do believe that giving away is not hard.” said Carol.

The idea of quilting for people in need began as a small project in 2007 at vacation bible school. The project originated as a donation for wounded warriors and their caregivers. Since 2007, momentum grew and the popularity of the project resulted in more than 600 quilts being sent out to both communities and individuals around the world.

“All of the professional quilt carriers around the nation put tremendous amounts of thought and love into our quilts. Our quilts are not sent exclusively within the states. In the past, we made quilts for wounded warriors living in Okinawa, England and many others around the world.” said Carol.

Sugar Hollow Quilts is not the only professional quilt carrier to donate to wounded warriors. Virginia Long Arms and Birds of a Feather also made quilts for veterans and those in need. Virginia Long Arms singlehandedly crafted and sent more than 250 quilts within the four years since began contributing.

“The generosity from fellow professional quilt carriers is staggering. We received multiple letters and cards thanking us for what we do, but that is not the goal of our mission. Quilts have a unique meaning to them. They represent warmth, comfort, and support.” said Carol.

“For many of the wounded warriors, victims and survivors, we want these feelings to directly translate into the quilts we send. They will never feel alone when dealing with a personal battle by themselves.” said Carol.
Marine Corps Base Quantico