Pickens County Habitat for Humanity believes that everyone has something to offer when it comes to loving our neighbors. It’s not surprising, then, that PCHFH has welcomed volunteers with a myriad of skills and gifts over the years. The “quilting ladies” of Habitat are a special group of volunteers whose delicately sewn creations add a warm and cozy touch to the organization and its homeowners.
Sharon Menze of Easley loves supporting her community. Since 2018, she has donated five beautifully crafted quilts to PCHFH homeowners, and to help raise money for new Habitat homes.
“Making a quilt for someone, no matter the situation, gives me a sense of being fulfilled,” Menze said. She hopes that the quilts will remind each family that someone cares about them and believes their lives will keep improving as long as they “stay focused and keep hoping for the future.”
Mary Dusenberry, who lives in Central, has many friends involved in the work of Habitat for Humanity. She wanted to study architecture, making her interest in the homebuilding at PCHFH a natural connection. Dusenberry was first approached by her neighbor and PCHFH board member, Craig Tompkins, about donating one of her handmade quilts to the silent auction for the annual Clemson University Homecoming Build. Dusenberry was honored to use her creativity to help her friend and support a good cause at the same time. Her first donated quilt to PCHFH featured beautiful emblems of home, love and warmth and was auctioned to a lucky bidder in 2020.
“I think colorful quilts that feature homes contribute special warmness and comfort to a homeowner,” she said. “I think the physical contributions made by many friends to Habitat homes are generous gifts to our community. I hope to be able to continue this practice as my gifts to some of God’s children.”
Patty Smith of Seneca recently generously donated several quilted wall-hangings to PCHFH. Smith enjoys contributing a small piece of comfort and personality to the new homes of Habitat homeowners, knowing her quilts that were made with love will soon be surrounded by a deserving family.
“Habitat builds houses to give families a safe place to live, but they come with the basics,” she said. “Decorating a home makes it personal to those who live there.”
Home is more than a few rooms with doors and windows. A true home is made up of many pieces - some mismatched - but all well-loved and expressive, much like a beloved quilt. PCHFH is grateful for quilting friends like Menze, Dusenberry, and Smith who choose to support Habitat homeowners and the organization through their time, talent, and love.
Do you have a special talent or skill you’d like to share with PCHFH? Email Jill Evans at today to start a conversation about sharing your art with a new homeowner.
