Bay High students donate quilts to Village Project

Bay High students created more than 70 quilts for Village Project clients.

Beauty, creativity, warmth and comfort are special gifts to share. And that is just what students from classes taught by Bay High School family and consumer science teacher Bridgit McFarland recently did.

On May 3, Mrs. McFarland and a group of students from her “Fashion Runway” and “On Your Own” classes gathered in the Bay High auditorium to present over 70 lap quilts to Barb Harrell, executive director of Village Project. The student-made quilts will be distributed to VP clients who are undergoing chemotherapy and in need of some comfort.

Colorful, soft and soothing, the 100 percent cotton flannel material used to make the quilts was purchased with a $1,264 grant from the Bay Village Education Foundation. The students, in turn, donated their time, skills and creativity to the project. Mrs. McFarland noted, “Because of the grant, I didn’t feel as bad about making them give the quilts up. They reaped the rewards of learning about volunteerism.”

The Bay students were very enthusiastic about the experience. Moira, Alaina and Al’leshia said some of their favorite parts of the project were picking out the patterns and attaching the ribbons between the squares of fabric. They also enjoyed the gift of giving. “I think it will be excellent for Village Project clients to use our quilts. It’s cool to make something for someone besides ourselves.”

Barb Harrell thanked the students for their donations and revealed that “it’s like Christmas morning” for the clients when they receive such a thoughtful gift delivered with their Village Project meals.

Village Project provides meals and extended care to local residents battling cancer and their families. Currently, meals are prepared and delivered two days each week, but in order to serve more families, VP is trying to raise enough money to increase the number of meal preparation days each week to four. To find out how you can participate in VP’s upcoming Project Pedal fundraiser or to get more information about this local organization, visit ourvillageproject.com or call 440-348-9401.