Latter-day Saint women from the Tamaki community united in an act of love recently to make quilts for those in need during the cold winter months.
The project, under the direction of Faleiva Tofa, was entitled “Quilt for Charity.” The idea came from a quote by Latter-day Saint leader, Henry B. Eyring: “The Lord’s way to help those in temporal need requires people, who out of love, have consecrated themselves and what they have to God and His work.”
The women, who are members of the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, say they were also inspired by recent events such as the earthquake in Nepal and Cyclone Pam.
“Life can be hard,” Faleiva says. “And when you’re feeling down, your problems can seem insurmountable. Volunteering to help others whose circumstances seem worse than yours can help you see your life from a different perspective.”
130 quilts were completed and donated to the Red Cross and the Salvation Army.
Red Cross representative, Amanda Aye, tearfully responded after receiving the quilts: “We appreciate and love all of you for the beautiful handmade quilts. The people affected by the earthquake and cyclone are going to love these quilts – they are awesome!”
One of the project coordinators, Raewyn Butler, said, “Thank you to all of you, who out of love for others, made these beautiful handmade quilts to help those families suffering from the cold this winter.”
Canned food items were also collected and donated with the blankets.