FMCA members are known for their generosity, and this is repeatedly proven by the On-Road Quilters group.
By Linneah Deighton, Associate Editor
Throughout the 60 years of FMCA’s international conventions, attendees have made efforts to give back to the host communities in some way, shape, or form. This often involves charitable donations. One of the longest traditions is practiced by the On-Road Quilters group, which has made and donated quilts and other handcrafted items to those in need for many years.
In addition to quilts, the On-Road Quilters crafted afghans and hats to donate in Gillette.
During FMCA’s August 2022 “Golden Getaway” convention in Lincoln, Nebraska, the On-Road Quilters donated many colorful quilts and blankets to Friendship Home, a nonprofit group that supports domestic violence survivors and their children. These would serve as comfort items for children in crisis situations. The group also donated an additional $220. During FMCA’s 13th convention visit to Perry, Georgia, this past March, the On-Road Quilters, along with members of FMCA’s On The Road Stitchers chapter, donated many handmade items to the Perry-based Crossroads Quilt Guild, which would then distribute them to those in need.
At the latest convention in Gillette, Wyoming, this past August, over 25 members attended the On-Road Quilters seminar and collected approximately 60 quilts, afghans, and hats for the “Quilt For Kids” display set up during the event. These textile creations were then donated to the Youth Emergency Services House (Y.E.S. House). This nonprofit organization in Gillette provides services through their various programs to Wyoming youth from the ages of 5 to 24, as well as their families. Through the 13 programs offered — including education, therapy, residential treatment, and mentorship — more than 1,000 youths and their families are served each year.
Mary Melaragno, Y.E.S. executive director, was blown away by the number of textile creations she received on behalf of the organization at the end of the convention. Mary, on behalf of Y.E.S., wrote a letter to the On-Road Quilters. “Your contribution is truly appreciated and will make a significant impact on the lives of children served at the Y.E.S. House. Your thoughtfulness and kindness in donating these beautiful quilts shows your commitment to making a positive difference in our community,” she wrote. “Your donation goes beyond a mere material gift; it carries with it a warmth, comfort, and a sense of security for those who need it most. Once again, thank you for your incredible support. Your thoughtfulness resonates deeply with all of us at the Y.E.S. House and Foundation.”
Although the On-Road Quilters isn’t a formal FMCA chapter, the group functions similarly. Organized in 1998 by Sharon Eversmann, F240000, during FMCA’s 35th summer convention in Ogden, Utah, the On-Road Quilters meet at each international convention. Semiannual newsletters are sent out to keep the quilters informed of current happenings. Since the group’s formation, hundreds, if not thousands, of quilts have been donated to various organizations and charities across the United States.
The On-Road Quilters are already stitching for FMCA’s next international convention, to be held March 20 through 23, 2024, at the Pima County Fairgrounds in Tucson, Arizona.
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