Red Cross, Gate City collect quilts for veterans

The American Red Cross and Gate City Bank are calling on quiltmakers to help comfort and warm our veterans this holiday season and beyond. Through November, the organizations hope to collect 300 new quilts that will be shared with veterans at VA hospitals, homes and stand-down events across the region.

“At Gate City Bank, we’re extremely grateful for our brave veterans and all they have given to defend our freedom. Providing beautiful quilts like these to help keep them warm is just one of many ways we express our gratitude, and we’re honored to show our support,” said Karin Rudd, senior vice president of Gate City Bank Checking and Customer Engagement.

Thanks to the generosity of Gate City Bank, quilt donations for veterans may be dropped off at any Gate City Bank location during business hours through November.

“We know more than most that partnerships like this make a significant difference in the lives of veterans. We also know that people across our region are eager to support veterans, especially those who might need an extra helping hand this holiday season,” said Lorie Herbel, regional program manager of American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces.

Details about quilts and fleece blankets:

• Must be new and/or made with new materials

• May be handmade or purchased quilts or fleece blankets

• Preferably 60” x 80” with neutral, masculine or patriotic themes

• Since they will be used in hospital and care facilities, they must be sturdy enough to undergo industrial washing and sterilizing process with no loose yarns or strings that could catch on medical equipment.

• Quilts and blankets will go home with Veterans upon hospital discharge

American Red Cross Service to Armed Forces, together with the Hero Care Network, provides military families with emergency communications, connects them to financial assistance resources, and offers mental health support and information services to military members, veterans and their families.

Our regional team provided more than 6,000 services to military members, their families and veterans, and reached over 2,800 service members through “Get to Know Us” briefings for how to access Red Cross communications support during family emergencies.