The Salvation Army Supports Seniors’ Heartfelt Quilt Project

When a person dies, the highest degree of respect should be given to their body in the moments after they pass on.

Recognizing this delicate subject, The Salvation Army has partnered with a group of seniors in southwest Minnesota who are sewing quilts for four nursing homes in Rock County. The quilts will be used to cover the deceased when they are carried out of the nursing facilities.

"Bodies must be removed from facilities, and they go out in body bags … a blanket, or sheet,” said Joanne Bartosh, who is leading the effort on behalf of the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of southwest Minnesota. “We just would like to give another option. Healthcare workers and facilities are very respectful of residents who have died – dignity is a huge issue as they strive to help residents through end-of-life issues.”

The Salvation Army donated money to RSVP earlier this year for their effort, known as the Memorial Quilt Project. About a dozen RSVP members are sewing the quilts, which are large enough to cover a twin bed and feature several stitched crosses.

“These volunteers understand how important this is to a family,” Bartosh said. “Some of the volunteers have worked in the health field and know that this would be a great addition to helping with end-of-life issues. They are honored to be working on a project that is so caring.”

RSVP is a national organization whose southwest Minnesota chapter includes 375 volunteers ages 55 and older. The primary focus of their chapter is Nobles County, where RSVP volunteers last year donated more than 41,000 hours to The Salvation Army, libraries, food shelves, schools, senior centers and more. 

The Salvation Army, which serves all of Minnesota’s 87 counties, partners with RSVP regularly. The Salvation Army contact for the quilt project was Kim Sheets, who oversees 170 volunteers in 16 southwest Minnesota counties.

“Sometimes seniors feel they have little to offer the community, but they are so wrong,” Sheets said. “The RSVP volunteers have brought seniors together, and they are using their talents to better their communities.”