Olivia Lause and her mentor, Joanne Kesson, a master sewing volunteer, hold one of the quilts. (Photo courtesy of 4-H Extension)

The Wood County 4-H program is a key leader in the area of service learning through the art of quilting. 
For the past five years 4-H members and volunteers have created more than 110 quilts for the Cocoon Shelter, Northwest Ohio Hospice Center, GRADS Program at Penta County Career Center, and Individuals in need identified by 4-H members.
This year 48 members,  which is a record number of participants, have gathered together to construct quilts for the Neonatal Unit at St. Vincent Mercy Children's Hospital in Toledo.
"I believe the best thing we can do in life is give service to others and that is part of the mission of 4-H, to pledge our hands to larger service," said Jennifer Morlock, a 4-H program assistant in Wood County. "I have found a way to instill this value in 4-H members through quilting."
Morlock added, "There is no greater feeling than watching 4-H'ers construct a quilt side by side with a mentor, ... then see them give their labor of love to someone who desperately needs support at a difficult time."
The mentors are often the members' mother or grandmother. They can also be a 4-H adviser, sister or another friend.
The 4-H leader noted the participants learn, or continue to improve on, the skills required to make quilts, develop or enhance a relationship with a caring adult, and discover the dramatic role quilts can play in the lives of others.
Participants also continue to come back and construct quilts long after they have graduated from the 4-H program.
"I have 4-H alumni who have built a connection with past program recipients. They have built a foundation for the next generation that recognizes service for others," she added.
 

Emily Aurand receives some tips from her grandmother and mentor, Clara Aurand. (Photo courtesy of 4-H Extension)

4-H'ers will continue to work on their quilts this winter and have them ready for display at the 4-H Style Show in July and the Wood County Fair.
This year, since the quilts are smaller in size, participants are focusing on learning the art of hand quilting.
The quilters will have the opportunity to personally deliver their quilts to the hospital in late August, including a visit to the Neonatal Unit.
"I am looking forward to this trip not only for my alumni quilters, but to see the reaction of my new participants," Morlock said.
The quilting project has not only been a part of the traditional 4-H program, it has also been brought into the classroom. In the past three years, fourth-grade students at Conneaut and Luckey elementary schools have had the opportunity to study the history of quilting, learn how quilts are connected to agriculture, construct blocks, and have a completed quilt to donate to a program or individual of their choice.
"It is another way to enhance the 4-H practice of 'learn by doing' and 'service for others' in a classroom environment," Morlock said.
This year a fourth grad class at Crim Elementary will have the opportunity to participate in the program.
Over the years, the program has received support and donations from a variety of community, state and national foundations and groups.
If you would like more information about the quilters and the Wood County 4-H program, visit the Web site at www.wood.osu.edu and click on the 4-H Clover.