The children of Hope Village in Meridian will get to cuddle with their own quilt this winter, thanks to a group of women from Clarke County.

The quilters – “Threads of Love”, presented 25 quilts to Hope Village for the children who live at the home, which provides help for neglected and abused children and their families. Meridian native Sela Ward, who was instrumental in the improvements that led to the opening of Hope Village, was on hand as the quilts were donated. 

“One of the many blessings of Hope Village being in a community like Meridian is that our community at large has such a generous heart, and spirit of giving – we wouldn’t exist without them,” said Ward, a successful actress, author and producer.  “It’s this kind of support we rely on, not only monetarily, but the generosity of people like Threads of Love is what we thrive from.”

The children will get to choose their own personal blanket from patterns made in the shape of birds, cats, cars, horses, and even Disney characters, among others. 

“With these quilts, they will get to choose something they like that is their very own,”  said Tina Aycock, the executive director of Hope Village. “We watch a lot of movies so it will be a good lap quilt for them. We are just so blessed with the community and how they take care of the children.”

Jewel Dearman, one of the ten quilters who gather each week at Cooper’s Chapel United Methodist Church, said it’s a ministry the church enjoys doing.

“It all started when someone told us they needed a quilt so we just made one,” Dearman said. “We donated quilts to a children’s home in Clinton once and were told if a child runs away they take their quilt, even if they don’t take anything else.

“Quilts are just a part of you.”

Ward who just finished filming the second season of the Epix Comedy Series Graves airing Oct. 22, said coming home to Meridian is her little bubble of happiness.

“We are so grateful to have groups like these because it is what brings heart to the home of Hope Village.”