Patching Things Up with S.A.M. Quilters

How St. Timothy Catholic Church, of Maple Lake, is making a difference, one stitch at a time

For years well beyond count, St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, in Maple Lake, has been striving to make a difference. And, it has a significant impact on a local level, as well as beyond Wright County.

Some of those impacts, though, are more
“covered” than others.

Not anymore! It’s time for St. Timothy’s quilting ministry to be uncovered and brought to light. Because, they have been busy patching things up in the community for quite a few years.

 

Uncovering S.A.M.

In 1992, some women of St. Timothy’s had a vision. They determined that folks in need during tragic and unfortunate circumstances needed help, and they set out to answer that need in the best way they knew how: quilting.

Three of the women who spearheaded Social Action Ministry Quilters  (S.A.M.) were Jan Neu, Dianne Lindenfelser, and Gail Hansen; members of St. Timothy’s who had not only a specific talent and passion, but also the heart for helping others.

Together, they created the group S.A.M., and found their ranks quickly filled by around 15 other women. While some worked from home, many came to St. Timothy’s to work together in designing quilt patterns, sewing, cutting fabric, and seeing that each quilt was not only finely crafted, but equally loved, too.

“Over the years, the group saw growing numbers,” Marge Pavlik, a longtime member, shared. “We’ve had a few pass on along the way, but we’ve remained very consistent throughout the years.”

The quilts themselves go to folks who may just be facing some of the worst circumstances of their lives, as well as to ministries and organizations who strive to help the underpriviledged. Yearly, S.A.M., makes quilts for Love, INC. fundraisers, as well as anyone they “get wind of” that might need a helping hand.

“We’ve even sent some quilts out on fire engines with firefighters, so they can give them to children who have lost everything,” shared Elaine Koenig.

Most of the time, their fabrics are donated by family members whose loved ones have passed on, or by parish members. In the early days, Marge remembers making many quilts out of old denim.

“It may seem like a small thing to do,” commented Cathy Schaefers. “But, it is a thing that has a profound affect on people.”

On average, the ministry quilts around 300 blankets a year; a number they hope will grow, in time.

Publication: 

The Drummer and The Wright County Journal Press

PO Box 159
108 Central Ave.
Buffalo MN 55313

www.thedrummer.com

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