Quilts honor local service members

With a lot of love and countless hours, local quilters help provide the brave men and women of the armed services with some comfort - and they do it with America's colors: red, white and blue.

The Desert Lily Quilters, a group of about 120 women made up of Yumans and winter visitors, make quilts for injured service members and send the colorful creations to hospitals. The group started making the quilts in 2006 and so far, member Sharon Haile said, they've made about 30.

The quilts are comprised of squares made by members of the group, then quilted together with the help of three local quilting stores. The quilts are made with the colors found in the American flag, to honor the service members.

And for the ones who have given their lives for our country, the ladies make a special memorial quilt. The quilt is personalized, including a photograph of the service member, and presented to family.

Haile said members who present the quilts say it's a difficult task.

"When you've never been in that situation, it's hard to find the words. The first word that comes to mind is solemn, but (the quilts) are very much appreciated by the receiver."

She said the group makes the quilts in honor of the service members who were Yuma resident before they enlisted, and they've made about six to date.

"We just do things for the community and people around. Whether it's a comfort quilt or memorial quilt, I hope it brings a sense of comfort to them."

In order to make the squares and quilts, the Desert Lily Quilters have "sew-ins."

"We set up all the tables and just go at it," Haile said. "It's like an assembly line."

The project is close to all the quilters hearts, but Haile said there is a generation of women in the group that know firsthand.

She said most of the women have had a parent, brother, sister, husband or child that has been a part of the armed services.

"Therefore, we understand what the spouses and the children sacrifice every day. I hope that they will cherish (the quilt) as much as I did making it, and care for it in the right manner."