World War II veteran Paul Arnone is pictured with Quilts Of Valor Representative Mary Lou Zerby. A quilt was recently presented to Arnone. Submitted photo

Anne Lamott wrote of quilting: “We stitch together quilts of meaning to keep us warm and safe, with whatever patches of beauty and utility we have on hand.”

The local chapter of Quilts of Valor is doing just that across Western New York by creating quilts to honor veterans. The chapter is now looking for nominations of local veterans to receive a quilt through the organization. The group is also looking for volunteers interested in making quilts, as well as those who are willing to donate to the cause. Local program Vets Finding Vets has also been encouraging the nomination of local veterans.

A Quilts of Valor display quilt is pictured.
Submitted photo

Vets Finding Vets is a program founded at the Fenton History Center to continue the legacy of the Fenton Mansion of hosting veteran-related meetings as well as efforts to help veterans over the years. The group meets regularly and offers local veterans the chance to meet one another and provides free access to the Fenton Research Center for veterans, active military members and reservists. The services allow them to begin or continue their family history, locate old service buddies, and gather information regarding soldiers buried in Chautauqua County cemeteries.

Quilts of Valor is a national program that began in 2003. Volunteer teams in chapters across the country donate time and materials to make a quilt that are then presented to a nominated veteran as a thank you for the veteran’s service, sacrifice and valor in serving the nation. All quilts made in Chautauqua County are awarded to veterans in Chautauqua County.

Recently, a local veteran and member of Vets Finding Vets, Paul Arnone, received a quilt through the local chapter. Arnone is 97 years old and served in World War II.

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His daughter, Peggy, nominated him for the honor but was unable to attend the presentation as she lives in North Carolina. Mary Lou Zerby, a representative of the Western New York Quilts of Valor, met with Arnone and Barb Cessna, Vets Finding Vets Project coordinator, to present the quilt.

“It’s so beautiful, such fine needlework that takes a long time to make,” Arnone said. “I’m proud to be awarded this quilt because it isn’t something a veteran gets every day, and you know it comes from the heart of the people who made it.”

Zerby said she was thrilled to meet Arnone, present his quilt and discuss his service experience. She has been involved with the organization since the early 2000s and finds it fulfilling to provide this unique honor to local veterans.

“It makes me cry just to think about what they have had to sacrifice,” she said. “I like to quilt — I have two children and three grandchildren — how many quilts can I possibly make for my family? I’ve always volunteered for stuff my whole life; I’m still a Girl Scout, so this is a way to satisfy my quilting urges and also do something that’s so rewarding. Sometimes, for Vietnam veterans who were treated so harshly, that’s the first time they were ever welcomed home. Literally, they come to tears. It’s just rewarding and it’s something I’m glad I’m able to do.”

Zerby first began quilting for the program in Myrtle Beach, as she lives there part-time and in Western New York part of the year as well. She would bring the quilts up to

Zerby and Cessna would like to see a large number of veterans in the area nominated for the program. Nominations can be made through qovf.org. The group is also accepting donations through the website, or checks can be sent to Zerby at 2700 Woodlawn Avenue, Hamburg, NY 14075, attention “WNY Quilters for A Cause.”

Nominations are always open, but presentations of quilts depend on how many quilts are available. Zerby said quilt making takes time, so it all depends. The local chapter has about 25 volunteers at the moment but is always looking for new members to help with the mission.

“If you’re a quilter and like to help, there are patterns on the Quilts of Valor website,” she said. “The average dimension is 60 by 80 inches, and they can be a little bit bigger and smaller. If someone would like to make a quilt top and donate it to us, we’ll see that it gets quilted. Some people are quilters and like to make one for somebody in their family and then present it to them themselves. There are options. But the important part is to get these veterans nominated.”

For more information on the program, visit qovf.org or call Barb Cessna at 716-664-6256.