Annual Ohio MCC Comforter Bash produces yet again

It’s not just the knots; it’s the love, prayer and compassion that went into each knot that made just as big of an impact when a host of volunteers traveled to Fairlawn Mennonite Church near Apple Creek to participate in the annual Ohio MCC Comforter Bash.

With a goal of creating 250 knotted quilts to send all over the world to families in need, hundreds of volunteers poured into the church gymnasium, which was transformed into a giant quilting room for the two-day event March 8-9.

They blew the roof off that goal, making 308 comforters, thanks to the work of more than 400 volunteers.

Participants worked together to combine handmade comforter tops, warm batting and sturdy backing fabric into warm, durable comforters. The squares of fabric that made up the comforter tops were already sewn together, so volunteers had a head-start assembling the pieces, all of which were donated to the cause.

Jennifer Steiner, communications coordinator for MCC Great Lakes, said the warmth, humility and compassion on display in the church was heartwarming because she knows these comforters will bless the recipients more than most will ever realize.

“What a blessing in so many ways,” Steiner said. “The fellowship inside these walls is thrilling to see, and knowing what an impact this outreach will have around the world is inspiring.”

She went on to talk about the stories they receive from people who receive comforters. Steiner said from children in large families who share one blanket to the elderly woman wrapped in a thin, worn sheet during freezing winter nights, the thanks and rejoicing they receive in letters is overwhelming.

“It’s beautiful to be part of it all,” Steiner said.

Each handmade comforter provides not only warmth, but also presents a tangible message to people that they aren’t alone and that there are many people who empathize with them.

Sarah Doerksen, MCC Great Lakes Ohio material resources coordinator, said making someone a handmade comforter may seem like a small thing, but the impact is priceless.

“First and foremost, these comforters provide warmth to those in desperate need,” Doerksen said. “But just as important is that it is a tangible gift that lets people know they aren’t forgotten and that people love and care for them because it is what God has called us to do. It’s a personal investment and a use of our gifts.”

Thus, the love of volunteers provides warmth and hope in lives where both are greatly needed.

The fellowship of the two days also is a meaningful part of the process, bringing old friends together while introducing new friends to one another.

Sharon Short from Canal Fulton came by herself to the event but found a trio of friends from Loudonville with whom she spent the day. This marks her second endeavor with the Comforter Bash.

“MCC saved my mother’s life twice,” Short said. “She was a Ukrainian refuge, and MCC played a very big role in saving her life two times with their support.”

In addition, her father was a volunteer with MCC, helping refugees settle back in. During that experience he met Short’s mother, and the two fell in love and were married, eventually moving to the United States.

“MCC holds a very special place in my heart,” Short said.

With many different jobs available for volunteers, the bash presented something to do for anyone, whether they were experienced veterans or complete novices in creating comforters, and it wasn’t all women. A number of men proved capable of pitching in. One of those was Paul Seling of Wooster, who was busy trimming the batting and the backing to the correct width.

Seling took a personal day off from work to volunteer, and as a seasoned quilter, he was comfortable stepping in at any of the stations.

“One of the nice things about this is that there isn’t anything overly complicated,” Seling said. “So whether you’re experienced or not, it is gratifying to come and be a part of something special.”

Babs Graber and Nancy Campbell were part of a group of women from Plain City who wanted to do whatever they could to help those in need.

“It’s a wonderful cause and an amazing organization,” Graber said. “This is about humanity and showing those in need that we love them and care about their well-being.”

Like many volunteers, Graber thought about those who will receive the comforters, and she would say short prayers throughout the day as she worked, asking God to bless those who would receive them and that they would find the perfect home.

“Their situations are nothing like my own, so I’m prayerful that these comforters will bring peace and warmth to those who receive them,” Graber said.

Campbell said giving back is something the world needs now more than ever, and the act of impacting the lives of others they will never meet is more than enough to want to help.

“This isn’t about us; it’s about others, and that is what people should focus on in today’s world,” Campbell said.