Hearts and Hands celebrating 16 years of helping Pawhuska neighbors

The unveiling of a beautifully hand-crafted quilt last Sunday officially launched the 16th anniversary of Pawhuska’s Hearts and Hands work day. Sponsored by the Pawhuska Ministerial Alliance, Hearts and Hands began when members of the First Presbyterian Church volunteered to do repairs on one area home as a mission project.

The quilt is currently on display at the Pawhuska Methodist Church, 620 Leahy, and was created by Jody Bracken of the Immaculate Conception Altar Society. Braken explained, “The quilt is an expansion of a design by Darlene Jewell-Walhood for a Colorado company Connecting Threads. The colors are uplifting spring colors, as I sewed during the dreary Oklahoma late winter weather. These colors are also representative of the wonderful Hearts and Hands project, where our community comes together to share.”

Braken says anyone who wants to learn how to quilt can do so with the help of Heartland Quilter’s. The group meets Tuesdays at 10 a.m. in Barnsdall to work on “Quilts for Valor” that honors those serving in the military. “There is not a need to bring anything,” said Braken. “Everything needed is there thanks to great support for this project. Pawhuska Elks Lodge #2542 has been our largest supporter. Once completed, our ‘Quilts for Valor’ are distributed through the Combat Vet Center in Tulsa. The program is going strong. To date, we have completed and distributed 710 quilts!

Tickets are $1 each or six for $5 and available from Dean Shoemate or Debbie Reed. They will also be available during Holy Week services which are being held at the Family Life Center at 621 Leahy and again on April 25th between 8-8:30 a.m. and right before the drawing.

This is the official Hearts & Hands work day. Volunteers will gather at the Family Life Center for a light breakfast before heading out to the job sites. Drawing for the quilt will be held at noon when the workers reassemble for lunch at the same location.