A steamy, hot and humid July day isn’t exactly quilt-buying weather, but for a local group, July 25 was a near perfect time to sell homemade creations. For 13 years, Kwiltz 4 Kidz has provided “quasi-security blankets” for local kids, adults and seniors involved in a crisis. Nine quilters belong to the group which gathers to create these comfort items for those both near and far experiencing distress in their lives. Kwiltz 4 Kidz provides quilts to those enduring chemotherapy, death of a loved one, or a serious injury. In past years, the group has sent quilts to New Town, Connecticut after a tragic school shooting or an Alabama community following a tornado.

But 2020 has proven to be an especially difficult year for the group. The COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to several craft sales where the group seeks to sell quilts to support its quilting. On July 25, members Colleen Gaffey and Marie Vigue sold 10 large quilts and several smaller pieces during a seven-hour event. The sale registered enough revenue to support the cause for 2020.  “We had a good day. It was enough to make our budget for the year so we’re real happy,” Gaffey said. 

Both Vigue and Gaffey have been Kwiltz 4 Kidz members for several years. Gaffey began nine years ago and Vigue started four years ago. Gaffey quilts nearly every day and makes about 40 per year. Vigue produces about a dozen each year.  Like most members, the two share a passion for quilting and providing a “giant hug” to those in distress. “A friend got me started quilting in Waterville and when I came to Boothbay I saw a Boothbay Register article about the group and I contacted Keyes,” Vigue said. Gaffey had a similar experience in which she also talked to Keyes about the group. “She spoke at our church, and I told her I sewed and she encouraged me to join,” Gaffey said. 

Kwiltz 4 Kidz provides quilts to local law enforcement agencies, fire departments, nursing homes and hospitals so people going through a difficult time have a support item.