Bright colors, unique designs and interesting textures are only part of the focus for the Three Tree Quilters who meet in The Gardens at Wesley Homes Des Moines. Their motivation is the desire to give back to the community in the form of quilts they create and donate each year for the newborns at Highline Family Childbirth Center. The ladies combine their considerable skills, talents and big hearts in service to the Burien and Des Moines communities. Their unseen but crowning achievement may be the over 1,900 baby quilts they’ve created in support of the medical center. Their dedication of over 15 years is evident in the quilt that hangs in the stairwell north of the Highline cafeteria and other quilts that decorate various places within the hospital and the Cancer Center. “The baby quilts go to any mother in need,” said Sandra Johnson, group spokeswoman. “Unfortunately, there are so many in need, but we do what we can.” The Three Tree Quilters sew approximately 100 quilts every year, including comfort quilts for their own members who feel under the weather. Though the group of 22 meets in other locations, many quilters consider it a special treat to be invited to sew in The Gardens’ light and fully-stocked crafts area. By Donna Wilson, Wesley Homes Des Moines resident.
