SAM quilts are stitched with love

By Brenda Erdahl

Since 1989 the SAM quilters of St. Timothy Church in Maple Lake have been sharing warmth, comfort, and love with people in need.

In 2023 alone, the Social Action Ministry Quilters (SAM) distributed 214 hand-made quilts to the poor, the ill, the elderly, the injured and more, despite their numbers not being what they used to be.

What was once a 52-member strong, ecumenical group has dwindled to about 18. At its height, it was nothing for 16 to 25 people to gather in the church basement every Monday for a morning of quilting. Now on average six to 10 show up every week, members said.

Whether it’s navigating the stairs or struggling with arthritis, many just can’t do it anymore. What SAM needs, the quilters all agreed, is an influx of younger folks to step up and get involved.

You don’t have to be a sewer to be a part of keeping this valuable service alive, “I’m not,” said Joy Lorentz, whose designated job is tying the quilt layers together.

To see more photos of the SAM quilts subscribe today.